Sideways altered the course of wine history. It brought about a phenomenal change in the situation of the industry. After the airing of the movie, there has been a significant rise in the sale of Pinot Noir in United States, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Merlot’s sale also dropped by 2% in relation to Pinot Noir. Such statistical observation does not denote that Pinot Noir was not already renowned to various wine drinkers. It only showed that through the positive reactions and comments expressed by the main character to this particular wine varietals, potential new customers started seeing Pinot Noir in a different light. No one really imagined or predicted the extent of this cultural phenomenon. Nonetheless, Pinot Noir wine makers are rejoicing. This month’s article, I will provide some current California Pinot Noir recommendations you might want to try. Pinot Noir Wine Reviews Argyle, 2003 RESERVE PINOT NOIR WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON $31-$33 Full-bodied and well-balanced. This wine features the tastes of plum, cherry, tobacco, oak and rose hips. Long, persistent in the palate. 4,500 cases. Drink through 2008. Babcock, 2004 GRAND CUVEE PINOT NOIR SANTA RITA HILLS $35 Stunning. Full bodied and moderately rich. Features flavors of berries accented by new oak. Supple and long in finish. 885 cases. Drink through 2008. Baileyana, 2003 GRAND FIREPEAK CUVEE EDNA VALLEY $40 Rich and moderately complex. Laced with intense plum raspberry, toast, and red currant flavors. 805 cases. Drink through 2007. Castle Rock, 2004 PINOT NOIR MENDOCINO COUNTY $11-$13 Fine quality, texture and body. Featuring distinctive combination of plum, pepper, raspberry complemented by subtle earthy overtones. 12,000 cases. Drink through 2007. Chalone Vineyard, 2004 PINOT NOIR MONTEREY COUNTY $17-$19 Deep, intense color. Full-bodied. Intense flavors of baked cherry, cranberry, raspberry, toast and nutmeg. Long, persistent finish. Drink through 2007. Gloria Ferrer, 2003 PINOT NOIR CARNEROS $24-$26 Moderately rich Pinot Noir. Taste reminiscent of plum, clove, toast and cherry. Features supple texture and long finish. 10,399 cases. Drink through 2007. Laetitia, 2004 ESTATE PINOT NOIR ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY $24-$26 Rich, full-bodied and luscious. This Pinot Noir features the flavors of tobacco, oak and ripe fruit flavors. Medium long finish. 11,000 cases. Drink through 2007. Pellegrini, 2003 PINOT NOIR, OLIVET LANE VINEYARD RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY $24-$26 Supple and finely textured. A moderately rich Pinot Noir characterized by firm acidity, and persistent finish. Taste reminiscent of raspberry, plum, red currant, toast, and rose petal. 2,808 cases. Drink through 2007.