Costing under $25 with 13% alcohol, this North Coast 2008 Ramsay Pinot Noir scored 17 points on the Dionysian scale of a possible 20.

Big red fruit aromas like cherry, raspberry and some red currant with spice and a hint of new oak show early. The balance is excellent and it has a long aftertaste. The deep color and hint of pepper may have come from a tiny addition of another dark-skinned grape,

Served with a combination of duck and pork along with garden fresh string beans.

It says “cellared and bottled by” so Ramsay did not grow or make the wine. The winery is in Oakville so it’s important to learn a little about reading a wine label. A nice wine can come from anywhere. In Vino Veritas.