Sineann, located in Yamhill County, Oregon, is easily one of the Northwest’s most exciting wineries. Sineann’s owner/winemaker, Peter Rosback, has almost single-handedly established Zinfandel as a legitimate Northwest wine grape. But that’s just the start. His lineup, which consists of over 20 wines, includes a dozen Pinot Noirs, 10 from single vineyards. “All different,” he says, “or I wouldn’t make them.”

Sineann Pinot Noir Covey Ridge Vineyard - a big sappy , sweet Pinot Noir with an intense liqueur flavor dominated by black cherry , black currant and other dark fruit. There are hints of licorice and tar in the finish with restrained acidity and tannins. The wine is driven by a density that coats your palate.

Smooth and round, with firm tannins and nice hints of cinnamon and dark chocolate around a lithe core of blackberry fruit. Lingers well against fine tannins. Drink now through 2013. 410 cases made.

–HS