Popular Pinot Noir
Banshee Pinot Noir – 2022 $18.99
One of the many things I find fascinating about wine is how two cuttings from the same Pinot Noir plant, vinifed in the same way, but grown in two different locations—one in Burgundy and one in California—will taste completely different from one another. The “terroir” makes all the difference in these unique expressions. Growing Pinot Noir in California is not an easy thing to do as most of the state is too warm for this fickle varietal. So Banshee sources its grapes from multiple vineyard sites in the cooler pockets of Sonoma and adds a touch of Russian River fruit. This results in wine bursting with luscious, velvety red and black cherry flavors that finishes with baking spice and a hint of earthiness. A fun easygoing wine for any occasion! – Hannah Weiss, Corporate Sales 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
Lemelson “Thea’s Selection” Pinot Noir – 2021 $33.99
There’s something about an Oregonian Pinot Noir that has a special place in my heart. It carries the fruit and spice of a California Pinot, while showcasing the elegance and earth of a red Burgundy. The Lemelson “Thea’s Selection” Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is no different. Ripe black Cherries, red raspberries, and currents fill the nose with elegance, while anise, black tea, and sweet baking spice add a dimension of earthiness. This wine is plush on the palate while a cheerful freshness and polished tannins rounds out and balances the wine. – Matt Goodyear, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Pinot Noir – 2021 $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
Marsannay Rouge, Ghislain Kohut – 2020 $44.96
The estates town of Marsannay is known as the “Golden Gateway” because of its proximity to the Grand Cru appellations to the south. Not to be overlooked, Marsannay is the only village appellation that produces wines in all three standard colors of white, red and rosé. In the glass, this Marsannay Rouge is a deep ruby color, foreshadowing a round and structured sip full of rich strawberry, blueberry, and blackcurrant notes. Balanced by a youthful acidity, this is one of the most satisfying and ready to drink expressions of Burgundy you could ask for. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Belle Glos “Las Alturas” Pinot Noir – 2021 $48.99
A big, ripe, yet absolutely approachable and seriously crushable Pinot Noir from Belle Glos (pronounced ‘Bell Gloss’). On the nose, raspberry, gooseberry and cherry lozenge harmonize perfectly. On the palate, mixed berry preserves, cherry cola, flaky milky chocolate and a hint of nutmeg take us to a warm and immensely satisfying finish. And yes, that’s a lot of wax on the bottle, but it comes off very gracefully with an easy pull tab. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant