Pinot Noir, often referred to as the “heartbreak grape” due to its delicate nature, rewards wine enthusiasts with its nuanced flavors and complex aromas. Thriving in cooler climates, this varietal offers wines of remarkable elegance and depth. For those seeking exceptional expressions of Pinot Noir, consider the following selections:
1. Marine Layer Wines Lyra Pinot Noir 2021 (Sonoma Coast, CA)
This wine exemplifies Sonoma’s coastal terroir, presenting fragrant notes of strawberries and rhubarb. The palate is well-balanced, featuring red berry flavors with hints of cinnamon and cream. It’s a quintessential representation of Sonoma Pinot Noir.
2. Johan Vineyards ‘Sapience’ Pinot Noir 2021 (Willamette Valley, OR)
Sourced from the Van Duzer Corridor, this reserve Pinot Noir boasts concentrated fruit with a robust tannic structure. At 12.4% ABV, it delivers depth without excessive weight, featuring earthy aromas complemented by cherry and blackberry notes.
3. Failla Olivet Ranch Pinot Noir 2022 (Russian River Valley, CA)
Ehren Jordan’s Failla Winery offers this organic Pinot Noir with high-toned aromas of cherry, pomegranate, and orange zest. The palate is beautifully balanced, providing a silky mouthfeel and a subtle earthy finish that adds complexity.
4. King Estate Inscription Pinot Noir 2022 (Willamette Valley, OR)
Achieving the top spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Best Buys list, this Pinot Noir showcases the true character of Oregon winemaking. It’s accessible nationwide, reflecting the integrity and quality of the region.
5. Hirsch Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Estate Pinot Noir 2021 (Fort Ross-Seaview, CA)
From the dramatic coastal vineyards of Fort Ross-Seaview, this reserve bottling offers herbaceous aromas of thyme and tarragon, intertwined with vanilla. The palate reveals deep red and black berry fruits, balanced by refreshing acidity and firm tannins.
6. Escarpment Pinot Noir (Martinborough, New Zealand)
Representing New Zealand’s Martinborough region, Escarpment’s Pinot Noir delivers delicate floral notes and a refined structure, reflecting the area’s unique terroir.
7. Danbury Ridge Pinot Noir (Essex, UK)
An emerging gem from Essex, this Pinot Noir offers balanced and vibrant flavors, showcasing the potential of English winemaking. The Guardian
When selecting a Pinot Noir, consider the region’s climate and soil, as these factors significantly influence the wine’s profile. Cooler climates like Oregon’s Willamette Valley and New Zealand’s Central Otago tend to produce wines with higher acidity and red fruit flavors, while warmer regions may yield riper, more robust profiles.
Exploring Pinot Noir from various regions allows enthusiasts to appreciate the nuanced expressions of this captivating varietal.
The Top Ten American Pinots from the Seventh Annual Blind Tasting of American Pinot Noir
As I mentioned throughout the week, I recently participated in a blind tasting of 51 American Pinot Noirs over the course of a weekend. With the assistance of three fellow wine writers based here in Houston, I had the opportunity to evaluate these wines without knowing their identities, ensuring an unbiased assessment. Each tasting involved four glasses at a time, maintaining a rigorous and impartial approach.
Today, I am sharing my list of standout wines from this extensive tasting, detailed below following the last 11 tasting notes.
Blind tastings in my home are far from glamorous—they usually involve numerous brown paper bags concealing the bottles.
- 2022 La Crema Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA – Retail $28. A beautifully structured wine with ripe black cherry and a touch of earth on the nose. The palate is smooth, rich, and silky. Excellent. 92 Points.
- 2022 Hartford / Hartford Court Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA – Retail $35. A refined, subtly complex nose with darker fruit tones. The palate is well-balanced, featuring vibrant fruit and a lingering finish. Excellent. 92 Points.
- 2022 Exprimere Pinot Noir Mia Peake Ranch Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, CA – Retail $100. Earthy aromas mingle with enticing fruit. On the palate, this wine is remarkably rich, layered, and deeply expressive. Outstanding. 94 Points.
- 2021 Left Coast Estate Pinot Noir Latitude 45, Willamette Valley, OR – Retail $55. Earth-driven nose with stemmy black fruit characteristics. The palate is equally earthy, offering a savory depth. Excellent. 90 Points.
- 2021 Freeman Pinot Noir, West Sonoma Coast, CA – Retail $48. A classic expression of Pinot Noir, featuring red berry fruit and an earthy backbone. The palate is impeccably balanced with an extended finish. Outstanding. 95 Points.
- 2022 Merriam Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA – Retail $38. Dark and fruity with an intriguing funkiness. The palate leans towards the dark side, with lively acidity and anise notes. Outstanding. 93 Points.
- 2022 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Avant Garde, Carneros, CA – Retail $36. A stunning nose bursting with red fruit. The palate is exceptional, checking every box and exceeding expectations. Outstanding. 96 Points.
- 2022 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA – Retail $30. Deep black cherry aromas with earthy undertones. Lush, mouthwatering fruit from start to finish. Outstanding. 94 Points.
- 2022 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, CA – Retail $56. An intense nose of rich cherry and earth. The palate is layered, complex, and exquisite. Outstanding. 95 Points.
- 2021 Freeman Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA – Retail $48. Savory notes of cranberry, rhubarb, and tomato leaf lead to a deep, rich, and balanced palate. Outstanding. 93 Points.
- 2022 Merriam Vineyards Pinot Noir Eastside Estate, Russian River Valley, CA – Retail $56. Cherry cola aromas with hints of heat. The palate is big, fruit-forward, yet slightly imbalanced. Very Good. 89 Points.
General Observations
- Darker Hues: American Pinot Noirs seem to be getting darker, whether due to climate change, shifts in consumer preferences, or evolving winemaking styles.
- Affordability: Quality Pinot Noir under $30 remains rare but achievable. Producers like Kendall Jackson (makers of Siduri, Murphy Goode, and La Crema) continue to excel in this category.
- Improved Quality: With each annual tasting, the overall quality of American Pinot Noir appears to be on the rise.
- Rodney Strong’s Underrated Status: While not often recognized among top-tier Pinot producers, Rodney Strong and its associated brand, Davis Bynum, consistently rank among the best in these tastings.
Top Wines
The task for my fellow tasters was simple: identify the “top wines.” There was no required minimum or maximum—just their personal standouts.
Wines appearing on all lists:
- 2021 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($75)
- 2022 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir Pinot de Ville ($69)
- 2022 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Avant Garde ($36)
Additional wines appearing on multiple lists:
- 2021 Stephen Ross Pinot Noir Edna Valley ($38)
- 2022 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Estate ($48)
- 2023 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir Vineyard Eleven ($80)
- 2022 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch ($40)
- 2022 Penner-Ash Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($60)
- 2022 La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($28)
- 2022 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($56)
My Personal Top Wines
Tier One (96 Points):
- 2021 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($75)
- 2022 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir Pinot de Ville ($69)
- 2022 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Avant Garde ($36)
- 2023 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir Vineyard Eleven ($80)
Tier Two (95 Points):
- 2021 Stephen Ross Pinot Noir Edna Valley ($38)
- 2022 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir Putnam Vineyard ($75)
- 2022 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir Estate ($48)
- 2022 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch ($40)
- 2022 Sangiacomo Family Wines Pinot Noir Block 11 ($75)
- 2021 Freeman Pinot Noir West Sonoma Coast ($48)
- 2022 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($56)
Tier Three (94 Points):
- 2022 Brooks Pinot Noir Cahiers ($60)
- 2022 Siduri Pinot Noir Rosella’s Vineyard ($75)
- 2022 Tongue Dancer Pinot Noir The Sly One ($85)
- 2022 Sangiacomo Wines Pinot Noir Roberts Road Vineyard ($75)
- 2022 Exprimere Pinot Noir Mia Peake Ranch Vineyard ($100)
- 2022 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($40)
All 51 bottles were carefully tasted and evaluated with dedication and enthusiasm.
A huge thank you to my esteemed colleagues—Katrina René (The Corkscrew Concierge) and Rebecca Castillo (MyVinoRules)—for their expertise and collaboration!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pinot Noir
Which country’s Pinot Noir is best?
Pinot Noir is grown in several regions worldwide, but some of the best come from France (Burgundy), the United States (California, Oregon), and New Zealand (Central Otago, Martinborough). Burgundy is considered the benchmark for high-quality Pinot Noir.
Which Pinot Noir wine is best?
The best Pinot Noir depends on personal preference and budget. Top-rated choices include Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (France), Marine Layer Wines Lyra Pinot Noir (USA), and Escarpment Pinot Noir (New Zealand).
Is Pinot Noir the healthiest red wine to drink?
Yes, Pinot Noir is often considered one of the healthiest red wines due to its high levels of resveratrol, an antioxidant linked to heart health. It also tends to have lower tannins and alcohol content compared to other red wines.
Best Pinot Noir under $20
For budget-friendly options, look for bottles like Mark West Pinot Noir (California), Meiomi Pinot Noir (California), or A to Z Pinot Noir (Oregon).
Best Pinot Noir in the world
Some of the most renowned Pinot Noirs in the world come from Burgundy, France, including Domaine Leroy and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Other highly regarded options come from Sonoma (California) and Central Otago (New Zealand).
Best Pinot Noir under $30
Great options in this price range include La Crema Pinot Noir (California), Erath Pinot Noir (Oregon), and Loveblock Pinot Noir (New Zealand).
Best Pinot Noir for beginners
If you’re new to Pinot Noir, try Meiomi Pinot Noir (California), La Crema Pinot Noir (Sonoma), or Erath Pinot Noir (Oregon). These wines are smooth, fruit-forward, and easy to enjoy.
Best Pinot Noir under $50
For a higher-quality experience, try Hirsch Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Estate Pinot Noir (California), King Estate Inscription Pinot Noir (Oregon), or Escarpment Pinot Noir (New Zealand).
Best Pinot Noir 2024
Some of the top-rated Pinot Noirs for 2024 include Marine Layer Wines Lyra Pinot Noir, Johan Vineyards ‘Sapience’ Pinot Noir, and Failla Olivet Ranch Pinot Noir.
Best Pinot Noir supermarket
Commonly available supermarket Pinot Noirs include Meiomi Pinot Noir, Josh Cellars Pinot Noir, and Mark West Pinot Noir. These wines are affordable and widely distributed.
Best Pinot Noir Reddit recommendations
Reddit users often recommend wines like Belle Glos Pinot Noir (California), Domaine Serene (Oregon), and Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir (New Zealand) for their balance of quality and price.
Would you like any additional details on these recommendations?
Jenifer
