Laetitia, Arroyo Grande (California) Pinot Noir 2005

($60): Those who complain that California Pinot Noir is simply sweet cherry juice need to try this wonderfully complex wine.  Laetitia’s ‘regular’ Pinot Noir is very good and easy to recommend, but if you run across this one, their single vineyard bottling, go for it.  They seamlessly meld the earthy, woodsy element of Pinot Noir with the delicate but bright red fruit component.  The savory sweet flavors complement one another.  It has that almost magical combination of intense flavor without being heavy. 93 Michael Apstein May 27, 2008