Brilliant red. Smoke- and spice-accented cherry and black raspberry scents show very good clarity and lift. Bitter cherry and red berry flavors take a sweeter turn as the wine stretches out. Closes long and focused, with youthfully gripping tannins and a hint of succulent herbs.

Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Straight Shooter Pinot Noir is youthfully shy on the nose, slowly opening to black cherries, blackberries and red currants with notions of underbrush, cardamom, dried herbs and violet. The palate is medium-bodied with good intensity and a much fuller fruit profile than its 2017 counterpart. It has a firm, grainy frame and well-woven freshness on the finish.

This is the best vintage to date for this affordable Pinot Noir, packed with juicy blackberry and black cherry fruit. There are highlights of black olive and polished tannins, and a firm, balanced, medium-bodied finish.