This is the first vintage for Jack Hammer Wine Co., and they’ve come out with a terrific Pinot Noir for the price. The grapes come from all three Central Coast counties ― Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara ― and the juice sees some aging in old French oak barriques.

The result is a delightful Pinot Noir with bright fruit flavors, gentle spice and round, smooth tannins. It goes down very easy and marries with all sorts of dishes.

Drink it with hors d’oeuvres and vegetable dishes, with grilled salmon or duck breast. It should be beautiful with Moroccan or Middle Eastern food too.

● Region: Central Coast

● Price: $13 to $15

● Style: Rich and round

● What it goes with: vegetable dishes, grilled salmon, duck, and Moroccan and Middle Eastern food.

By S. Irene Virbila

(Los Angeles Times)

(Distributed by MCT Information Services)