Pale to medium ruby colored with a hint of purple, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bench Break has intense red currant and red cherry notes with hints of violets, Chinese five spice and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, fine and fresh in the mouth, it has a lot of varietal expression and sense of place for this price point without sacrificing flavor, which is a dorky way of saying, it rocks! 35,000 cases were made.

Firm, fleshy and rich, with concentrated dried cherry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors. Shows iodine and sanguine notes on the finish, along with crisp acidity. Drink now through 2020. 34,324 cases made.

Light black raspberry and purple-flower aromas show on the somewhat shy nose of this bottling from the Jackson Family's longtime Santa Maria Valley winery. Well-woven flavors of black raspberry, dark cranberry, thyme and bay leaf appear on the sip, which is light and easy albeit not very complex.