Russian River Valley California Pinot noir is a great spring varietal, and wines made from this grape come in all shapes and sizes. This is not your grandma’s pinot. It’s inky and sexy and represents everything a great California pinot should and could be. The latest project from charismatic Napa winemaker Kirk Venge, Croix is his foray into Sonoma, and it’s new to the Florida market. The grapes from the Platt Vineyard are organic with only 105 cases made. When you find some, buy two — one to drink now and one to age. R46-1

Best Buys • Wines Rated 90+ • Highly Allocated Gems