Steve Heimoff

California Editor

California Bureau Chief Steve Heimoff was born in New York City and moved to California to attend graduate school. He quickly discovered wine and it became his passion. He has been with Wine Enthusiast for 20 years and reviews all California wines produced in the premium coastal counties. He has written two books for University of California Press: A Wine Journey along the Russian River [2005] and New Classic Winemakers of California: Conversations with Steve Heimoff [2008]. He is also the author of the popular wine blog, steveheimoff.com.

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Au Bon Climat 2009 Historic Vineyards Collection Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $30

This wine is pale in color, and although only three-plus-years-old, seems delicate and almost fragile in the way of an older wine. Complex with notes of mushrooms, cola, sour cherry candy and cranberries, the palate is surprisingly powerful and insistent. Crisp with acidity, it’s just lovely now, but should develop additional bottle complexity for 5–6 more years. — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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Reuling Vineyard 2011 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)

Price $70

Joseph Swan and Araujo alum Matt Taylor made this wine with grapes from outside of Forestville, in the cooler southwestern part of the valley. It’s a sumptuous Pinot Noir with a depth of raspberry, cherry, cola and mocha flavors, and earthier notes of mushrooms and oak for added complexity. Fine acidity and smooth tannins make it great to drink now and over the… — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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Sinor-LaVallee 2010 Talley-Rincon Vineyard Pinot Noir (Arroyo Grande Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $40

This Pinot is so fabulous, it’s easy to fall in love with. It comes as no surprise that this wine hails from the wonderful Talley-Rincon Vineyard. Light and silky, it’s bright in citrusy acids. Dry on the palate, but with juicy raspberry and cherry flavors, and hints of mineral, spice and smoky oak for complexity. What a nice wine for drinking now. — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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Sinor-LaVallee 2010 Aubaine Vineyards Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo County)

Cellar Selection

Price $40

Hits the ground running with wonderful flavors of raspberries, cherries, red licorice and toasty oak, anchored by coffee and mushroom notes. The acidity is mouthwatering, and the texture silky and clean. Should easily develop over the next six years, but it’s delicious now as well. — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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Truchard 2010 Pinot Noir (Carneros)

Cellar Selection

Price $35

Quite notable for its balance, this lovely Pinot shows a fine tension of acidity, tannins, oak and fruit. The overall effect is delightful, with a silky texture housing raspberry, cola, mushroom and sandalwood flavors. Good to drink now, but will easily develop over the next decade or so. — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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Sean Thackrey 2009 Devil’s Gulch Ranch Andromeda Pinot Noir (Marin County)

Price $45

So delicately structured, yet so insistently rich, this wine’s texture is pure silk. Tart and dry on the palate, it’s remarkably complex with sweet-and-spicy, brown-sugared raspberry and cherry flavors that give total satisfaction. No reason to age this beauty, just enjoy it now. — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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De Loach 2010 O.F.S Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Price $40

This is an absolutely lovely Pinot Noir that’s softly refined and balanced, yet so complex. It’s silky and dry, with waves of raspberries and cherries, red currants, mocha, red licorice and sautéed wild mushrooms. Drink now–2015 for fresh appeal. — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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De Loach 2010 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Mountain)

Price $45

This wine is so silky, it glides over the palate like a cool stream. Then the flavors kick in—fabulously rich in raspberry and cherry jam, vanilla and spicy sandalwood, brightened by crisp acidity. The verdict: A beautiful Pinot Noir, lush and fine, for drinking over the next four years, especially with something that includes mushrooms. — S.H. (5/1/2013)

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2009 Monte Pinadillo Ciranza

Black fruit, raisin and minerally aromas combine to create a formidable…

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