Beaux Freres Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2006

Why Buy: The best in the west. A cult classic. Hedonism in a bottle. If you're going to splurge, this is the one.

Price : $100

Details: This Pinot develops as you drink it. It starts as warm creme brulee... with aromas of creamy vanilla, bruleed turbinado sugar... topped with raspberries, toasted coconut shavings. A pinch of lavender gives way to a dusting of clove. The first sip bursts open like a cherry blossom in spring, and then the deeper elements emerge... dark fruits laying on the earth beneath the trees from which they have fallen, ripe, the full range of seasons expressed. Then richer with plum, licorice, and roses... tragic... romantic.

Notes: The 2006 Beaux Freres Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir is delicious now, but probably has not peaked... wow. This will appeal to those who like almost any style of Pinot... old world or new world. It will cellar for years and appeal at every age. The renowned wine critic, Robert Parker, is one of the owners of Beaux Freres, so you will never see Beaux Freres Pinots rated by Wine Advocate, Parker's magazine. But they always get high marks from others.

Occasion and Pairing: Pair with exceptional passion, great art, sumptuous fare, and music. Add deep longing and companions who appreciate the subtlety of body language. Finish with a bitter-sweet good-bye kiss, and bitter-sweet chocolate.

State: Oregon

Region: Willamette Valley

Ava: Ribbon Ridge