Three very nice Pinot Noirs, all under $25.

First, Martinborough Vineyards Russian Jack, NZ 2008: $19 from Wine Bottega in the North End of Boston.  Best wine for everyone but me.  Cherries, floral nose and very smooth.  Coconut taste at end suggests oak.  My second best.

Second, A to Z Pinot Noir, Oregon 2007:  Widely available.  But rough to begin with.  Still classic cherry.  Consensus worst of three.  But I would buy it and drink it again as it was quite good nevertheless.

Third, Soris Pere and Fils, Santenay, 2006:  $25 at Formaggio Kitchen.  Multi-layered.  Stinky barnyard and hay as well as cherry.  But tannic. My favorite, everyone else’s number two.

Overall, very good wines at this price.  Had some Vin Santo (Allegrini 1999) as well that our guests brought.  Four bottles of wine between four people at one sitting!  Didn’t feel worse for wear the next day.  Either liver is in trouble or the wines were good.  Hope it is the latter.