Spotlight On: Pinot Noir
If you’re searching for a new Pinot Noir expore this list of staff picks featuring options that range from affordable, classic California bottlings to rare Austrian treats.
Upwell Pinot Noir – 2020 $17.96
Looking for a solid party Pinot? What about a weeknight treat to yourself? Either way Upwell is a solid choice. This lovely California Pinot Noir shows classic varietal characteristics – it’s soft and dusty, yet supple on the palate…This is a great example of a bottle that totally over-delivers, especially for this particular grape. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Bench Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast – 2021 $21.96
This Pinot Noir is sourced primarily from the Sangiocomo Amaral Ranch Vineyard with deep valley floors that transition into steep, rocky soils. This benchland soil helps to produce wines with sultry dark fruit flavors and lean, luscious structure comparable to wines of Burgundy. This Pinot Noir boasts vibrant acidity and fine tannins backed by a well-rounded, muscular texture and weight, making it great for roasted meats and rich sauces.- Jose Banegas, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Monument Wine Company, Daughter Red – 2021 $27.96
I was immediately intrigued when I saw this new addition to the Astor shelves was an interesting blend of two of my favorite varietals: 75% Pinot Noir (from the Rodriguez family vineyard, Willamette valley) and 25% Syrah (from the McAllister vineyard, Columbia gorge). Fascinated, I took a bottle home that night and was not disappointed: it’s gorgeous. A friendly electricity on the palate, crunchy high-toned fruit, notes of Ribena, and light powdery tannins. There is a delicate purity to this bright and aromatic wine that I find simply irresistible. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Sancerre Rouge “Croix du Roy”, Lucien Crochet – 2016 $32.96
Sancerre has become synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, but the region’s Pinot Noir should not be overlooked. This shows bright, fresh red fruit, cherry, cranberry, and a bit of earthiness. It falls somewhere between light and medium body.This is a great food wine that would pair nicely with salmon or pork. – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Pinot Noir $34.99
Pristine, transparent, and laser focused, Mac Forbes brings back the spirit of Burgundy from decades ago. Loaded with bright cherry fruit, they should make a cough drop flavor with it. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Shea Wine Cellars, Yamhill-Carlton District, Estate Pinot Noir – 2019 $49.99
Shea Vineyard, owned by Dick Shea, is a 200 acre vineyard in the Yamhill County of the Willamette Valley, Oregon. This wine is supple with black currant fruits and it’s very balanced between acidity and minerality. A touch of slightly musty French oak is a reassuring undertone. Simply a treat to relax and savor after a full day. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Pinot Noir, “Unter den Terrassen”, Umathum – 2017 $66.96
This wine I find deceptively light in color because on the palate it was a fairly fuller-bodied Pinot with elegant, slightly grippy tannins and almost a slight rustic quality. Expect notes of tart cherries and very expressive baking spice notes of clove and allspice. Drink this on a special evening with a pan seared duck breast. – Archie Archuleta, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant