In several blind tastings, comparing the same wines in several brands of pinot glasses, the Riedel came in first each time. Most noticeable is the combination of the circumference of the glass and the angle of the curved lip; the vessel delivers the wine exactly as a lighter red wine should be delivered, growing in that delivery as the wine coats over the tongue to the back of the palate. The fractal element of the design increases the surface area and is beautiful to look at in a way that is unique to all other pinot glasses. This vessel is also great for other lighter red wines: nebbiolo, gamay, zweigelt, cinsault, etc. Oh, and the low price sets it apart even more. The stem is more fragile than other brands.