Has your Gross Domestic Happiness level dropped the past few months? A lack of hugs can have that effect.

But when you woke up this morning, you probably didn’t realize a berry blasting, heart stealing, soul rejuvenating Pinot Noir was in your future. It’s kind of like a hug for your taste buds, and if name throwing was an Olympic sport, we would sweep all the medals with this one, no doubt…

This stunner comes from fan favorite Erik Kent and Stiling Vineyard, owned and farmed by the Dehlinger family. And it shows the true excellence of Russian River Valley, which is not surprising since it borders Vine Hill, of Kistler fame. Titans like Gary Farrell have cherished this secret source along with Erik Kent, who learned a few things under Bill Hunter of Chasseur and Mike Officer of Carlisle so you know he’s got the chops and it’s all on display with this immensely satisfying Pinot Noir.

Plush, round, and big, but not at all fat, insipid or heavy. If you like that rich, luxurious Williams Selyem or Kosta Browne style, but hate the equally rich price tag, this one’s for you. That is to say a wine packed with all the rainier cherry, strawberry and blackberry goodness you could ever want. Creamy and mouthcoating, it reminds us of liquified triple berry pie, crust and all, maybe with a twist of caramel, a drizzle of white chocolate, a splash of cola and some fresh tilled earth…all capped off with a vein of bright acidity to keep it moving along.

OH! One last thing. Forget about that original $50 price tag. We trimmed all the fat off – over 50% actually. So yea, let this liquid hug into your life and get an extra bottle or two. You won’t regret it.