Pinot Noir is like the cool kid in high school that everyone wants to be friends with. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and always leaves you wanting more. Ok, maybe that’s a bit dramatic and over the top. But really, what makes this wine so special? Let’s dive into the world of Pinot Noir and explore its tasting notes, aroma, food pairings, and body.
First things first, let’s talk about the taste. Pinot Noir is known for its delicate but complex flavor profile. It’s often described as having notes of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry with a hint of spice and earthiness. Some Pinot Noirs also have a subtle smokiness that adds depth to the wine. The tannins in Pinot Noir are usually soft and silky, making it a wine that’s easy to drink and enjoy.
Now, let’s talk about the aroma. Pinot Noir has a distinct aroma that’s hard to miss. It’s often described as having a bouquet of red fruits, such as strawberries and cherries, with a hint of floral and herbal notes. Some Pinot Noirs also have a subtle earthy aroma, reminiscent of damp soil or mushrooms. It’s a complex and inviting scent that draws you in and makes you want to take a sip.
When it comes to food pairings, Pinot Noir can be a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, but honestly, not always. I’ve definitely had a few that I personally think are better as a stand alone, enjoy it for what it is type of wine. So while I’ll still try to get away with a bit of a salty option, like charcuterie with mild cheese, olives, etc, sometimes I struggle to pair some of them with a main dish. But, there are Pinot Noirs that work well with foods like grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or seared duck breast. Pinot Noir also complements dishes that have a subtle smokiness, such as grilled vegetables or mushroom risotto. For cheese lovers, Pinot Noir pairs well with brie, camembert, and goat cheese.
Finally, let’s talk about the body of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied wine, meaning it’s not too heavy or too light. It has enough body to stand up to rich dishes, but it’s also light enough to enjoy on its own. This can be subjective of course, as some might be classified as medium, but you might find them to be on the lighter side. I actually seek those out, because I prefer a lighter red, often chilling them a bit as well.
In conclusion, Pinot Noir is a fun and complex wine that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Its delicate flavor profile, inviting aroma, and versatility make it a great wine to enjoy on its own, but it’s also a great wine to serve at dinner parties because it’s easy to drink. So the next time you’re looking for a red that’s sure to impress, reach for a bottle of Pinot Noir and enjoy the ride. Cheers!
1.
Belle Glos Clark and Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
ALCOHOL %
14.7%
COUNTRY
United States
REGION
California, Central Coast
STYLE
Elegant
BODY
Medium
Overview
Here, you’ll likely find red fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, as well as earthy notes like mushroom. Belle Glos Clark and Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir also delivers some spice and herbal notes such as clove, cinnamon, or thyme. This wine is typically known for its medium to full body, velvety texture, and bright acidity.
On the nose, you’ll find complex aromas that can range from fruity to savory. like red fruit notes, as well as floral aromas like rose petals and violet. You may even get earthy aromas and some spicy cinnamon.
It’s not as versatile as some others when it comes to pairing with foods, but will go well with a charcuterie, olives, mild cheeses, or is fabulous alone.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Raspberry, blackberry, as well as floral aromas.
- Notes of spice.
ON THE PALATE
- Medium to full body, velvety texture, and bright acidity.
- Vanilla, oak, and chocolate
- Cherry, raspberry and strawberry
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Bright acidity
- Smooth, with softer tannins
- Hints of cocoa
- This is one of our Pinot go-tos
JUST A HEADS-UP
- Pairs well with some foods, but not versatile enough to go with everything
- The wax cork!
2.
Banshee Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2021
ALCOHOL %
13.8%
COUNTRY
United States
REGION
California, Sonoma County
STYLE
Savory & Classic
BODY
Medium
Overview
This wine includes red fruit flavors – cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, along with blueberry, as well as earthy notes like mushroom, truffle, forest floor and smoke. While I find it velvety and very smooth, there’s also a kick of spice. You may also detect notes of oak, vanilla and cola. While this wine is typically considered a medium body, some do find it a bit on the lighter side, which personally, I love.
It pairs well with beef and veal, as well as some poultry dishes. You also can’t go wrong enjoying this one by itself after dinner.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Bold
- Cherry, wildflowers
- Earthy and smoky.
ON THE PALATE
- Medium bodied, smooth and on the drier side.
- Cherry, strawberry, blueberry.
- Oak and cola
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Tips on the side of lighter bodied, which I prefer
- Bright acidity and a very smooth finish
JUST A HEADS-UP
- Because this one is little lighter and less strong, it might not be loved by those who prefer medium to full.
3.
Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021
ALCOHOL %
13.5%
COUNTRY
United States
REGION
California Sonoma County
STYLE
Elegant
BODY
Medium
Overview
In terms of taste, Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir typically features flavors of red fruit, such as cherry and raspberry, as well as some black fruit notes like blackberry. It is often described as having a silky texture and a medium body, with well balanced acidity and tannins. You’ll also find some earthy notes such as forest floor or mushroom.
On the nose, you’ll experience a complex aroma profile that can include red fruit, floral, and earthy notes, along with hints of cherry, raspberry, rose petals, and violets, as well as hints of mushroom, truffle, or wet leaves.
It can pair well with foods like grilled salmon, roasted chicken, and pork tenderloin. It also complements vegetarian dishes like roasted mushrooms or ratatouille. You can try rich sauces and creamy dishes, but it is also versatile enough to pair with lighter fare like salads or charcuterie boards.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Blueberry and blackberry
- Vanilla and oak
- Bright, red fruits
ON THE PALATE
- Drier and brightly acidic
- Cherry, raspberry and strawberry
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Well balanced
- Easy to drink and smooth.
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This can bit a bit on the pricer side, but I really enjoyed it and have repurchased.
4.
Eden Rift Estate Pinot Noir 2018
ALCOHOL %
13.8%
COUNTRY
United States
REGION
California, Cienega
STYLE
Savory
BODY
Medium
Overview
Eden Rift Estate Pinot Noir is known for its balance, complexity, and elegance.
In terms of taste, Eden Rift Estate Pinot Noir 2018 features flavors of dark fruit such as black cherry and plum, as well as some red fruit notes like raspberry and cranberry. It also displays some spice notes like clove and cinnamon. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the acidity is bright, providing a fresh finish to the wine.
On the nose, its complex aroma profile includes dark fruit, floral, and earthy notes. You might find aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and violet, as well as hints of forest floor, leather, and tobacco.
It pairs well with a variety of foods, including roasted or grilled meats like lamb, duck, or beef. It also complements dishes with mushrooms or truffles, as well as grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers. This wine can also pair well with hard cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Dark red fruit
- Cola
- Floral, violet
ON THE PALATE
- Drier and smooth
- Medium acidity
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- On the lighter side, which I enjoy
- Pairs well with a great steak
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This wine carries a high price tag
- Might not be a top pick if you prefer medium-full
5.
Barnett Pinot Noir Tina Marie Russian River Valley, 2019
ALCOHOL %
13.7%
COUNTRY
United States
REGION
California, Sonoma County
STYLE
Vibrant
BODY
Medium
Overview
Barnett Pinot Noir Tina Marie Russian River Valley 2019 is produced in California’s Russian River Valley AVA, which is known for its complexity and balance, showcasing the best characteristics of this cool-climate region.
In terms of taste, it features flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, as well as some earthy notes like forest floor and mushroom. It also displays some spicy notes like clove and cinnamon. The tannins are moderate, and the acidity is bright, providing a fresh and vibrant finish to the wine.
On the nose, you’ll find a complex aroma profile which includes dark fruit, floral, and earthy notes, along with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, florals, and hints of forest floor, leather, and tobacco.
It pairs well with foods like roasted or grilled meats, and also complements dishes with mushrooms or truffles, as well as grilled or roasted vegetables like beets or carrots. It pairs well with soft or semi-soft cheeses like brie or camembert.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Cherry, strawberry and pomegranate
- Vanilla
- Earthy
ON THE PALATE
- Dry, smooth finish and brightly acidic
- Strawberry and raspberry
- Hint of smokiness and spices
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Well balanced, smooth and vibrant
- Bright fruitiness
- The characteristics of the cooler climate
JUST A HEADS-UP
- I prefer this one with a bit of a chill to it and find it more enjoyable this way.