Napa Cellars Pinot Noir 2012

Will wonders never cease?!? Now I know I tend to coddle Napa Cellars a bit. I do really like their wines, but I don't want to seem like I'm playing favorites unfairly.

But this is one of the first Pinots I have had in a looong time that completely challenged my aforementioned disdain for the varietal.

This has a smoothness to it that many pinots lack. I often feel like I'm swallowing a cactus, but this was not like that. It also seemed darker than a normal Pinot. They tend to be at the lighter end of the red spectrum, but perhaps Napa just went all rebellious and made something darker and delicious-er.

All I know is I like it.

So Surprise yourself and a friend! Surprise wine and cheese party for two! Surprise! Pour the wine over them like it's Gatorade and they just won the big game!

Bottom line: Surprise!