Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Twenty-Fifty Anniversary 2005-$40:

The big, dark man with the very supple belly, firmly gripped the cedar planks as he climbed up the steep earth’s embankment. He dropped the planks onto his cabin’s front porch, headed into the kitchen and bit into a very ripe plum. As he looked out at the view he thought to himself, yes, building this cabin would take some time before it was perfect, but it would be well worth it!

This big Pinot Noir firmly grips your palate before sharing its plum and cherry fruit with you, but give it a little time, and it will be near perfect!

Hint: Pair this wine with grilled cedar plank salmon brushed in honey mustard—a truly perfect pairing!

Clients: Gotta a big, bad business lunch coming up? Fork out a little extra for this wine and salmon—you’ll have a nearly perfect palate of a lunch!

Friends: Fabulous Pinot Noir and friends; life doesn’t get much better!

Heels rates this a 9!

Castle Rock Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2005-$12:

The king was dressed in his fancy red raspberry riding apparel. His servant handed him his usual hot spiced vanilla tea that he sipped on prior to heading out for his public walkabout. Then, he took the reigns of his easygoing horse, Sassafras, mounted his horse and trotted him out to meet the people. Ah, life’s good when you’re king of the Castle!

This wine’s juicy red raspberry fruits rule, but they’re fairly easygoing and welcoming when the spiced vanillas decide to trot onto your palate.

Hint: Pair this wine with ham coated in a dark berry fruit glaze.

Clients: Perfect wine for an easygoing business meeting!

Friends: Fire up the grill and welcome your friends to your Castle!

Sneakers rates this a 8.5