A pinot that's perfect all by itself

Mark West Pinot Noir (2007)
Origin: California (Sonoma County)
Price: $10

On Friday we had a second Thanksgiving with the other side of the family. While patiently waiting for all the guests to arrive, we naturally gravitated toward the wine and hors d'oeuvres to keep us occupied. I can think of worse things to do.

My uncle, who I had only ever seen drink chardonnay, announced that he often goes for California pinot noirs. The Mark West was his selection. Normally that wouldn't be my origin of choice for pinot noir, but no complaints on this one. Its drinkability scale is through the roof, especially all by itself. No food pairing is necessary with this super-light pinot. It has a pleasing perfumey and berry nose. The taste is overflowing with bright, juicy cherry, strawberry and raspberry notes that fool your senses into thinking it has a sweetness to it. Very jammy. The tannins are there but in an extremely mild form and there's only a slight bit of oak.

I'm not sure that I would know what food to pair with this pinot, as it might get easily overpowered. Mild cheeses did fare nicely, so I would stick to that or just enjoy a glass on its own.