- Last updated on May 24, 2023
Our Best Pinot Noir Selection
- Best Overall: Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir
- Best Value: Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Best Budget: Meiomi Pinot Noir
- Best California (Napa): Best California (Napa): Cuvaison Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2018
- Best California (Sonoma): Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
- Best Oregon: Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
- Best France: Bouchard Père & Fils Vigne de l'Enfant Jésus Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Grèves' 2013
- Best Italy: Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Nero
- Best Germany: Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2019
- Best Australia: Moorooduc Pinot Noir 2017
- Best New Zealand: Amisfield Pinot Noir 2017
- Best South Africa: Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir 2019
- Best Argentina: Domaine Nico Grand Père Pinot Noir 2018
- Best Chile: Ventisquero Grey (Glacier) Las Terrazas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017
- Best Blanc de Noirs: Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne N.V.
- Best under $15: Mirassou Pinot Noir
- Best under $20: Hahn Pinot Noir
- Best under $30: Balletto Vineyards Pinot Noir
- Best under $50: Radio-Coteau La Neblina Pinot Noir 2018
- Best under $100: L'Usine Pinot Noir 2017
- Best Luxury: Domaine de La Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru
21 Best Pinot Noir Reviewed
Find below the reviews for our wine selection of the 21 Best Pinot Noir so that you have all the info you need to pick what’s best for you.
Vivino’s tips: Ranks #1 in Top 25 Californian Pinot Noir wines in New York right now (2019 Vintage).
Region: United States, California.
Tasting notes: Black Cherry, Plum, Strawberry, Violet, Chocolat, Espresso.
And the winner is… Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir.
There are a few things that make this wine stands out compared to the competition
- Arguably the finest for Pinot Noir in the state according to numerous wine critics. It currently ranks #1 Top 25 Californian Pinot Noir wines in Vivino right now, and for a good reason!
- It’s a superb Cali Pinot Noir thanks to its elegance, extreme balance, complexity, and structure for a wine in purity, i.e. it will blow you away.
- You can drink it now or let it age for at least one decade if stored properly so that you can let it achieve its maximum potential.
- Priced competitively against its peers, so you’ll save a few $100s and still get an outstanding wine.
Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir is hand-harvested, which means that there’s extreme care in how those precious grapes are handled which shows in the wine.
It’s made in purity, the grapes are pressed at low pressure to avoid the bitterness from the seeds. It ages 16 months in French oak of which 28% are new barrels.
Here is what you’ll get from it:
On the nose, black fruit like black cherry, plum, strawberry, violet, chocolate, vanilla, and espresso aromas.
On the palate, it’s a velvety, elegant, extremely balanced, full-body wine with many layers of complexity. It starts with black cherry, plum, and strawberries and it develops into nutmeg, clove, chocolate, espresso, banking spice, and an oak finish.
Pairing wise is a very versatile wine that allows you to pair it with many dishes, although we find it gives its best with earthy flavor dishes and red meat in particular.
For this reason, we recommend tagliolini with white truffle, game, turkey, duck, and roasted salmon.
To summarise, if you want the best Pinot Noir and are ok with a $110 price tag, get this, otherwise, keep reading.
Read our full review here.
Region: United States, Russian River Valley.
Tasting notes: Cherry, Red Fruit, Plum, Vanilla, Oak, Smoke, Earthy.
The runner-up is Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir. It won’t have the same elegance as you’ll find in Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir but apart from that, it’s a great bottle of wine for less than half the price.
The three things that make this wine the best value wine are
- It’s complex, with silky tannins and a long finish, which means that you both get complexity and richness in flavors and aromas.
- It’s a versatile wine, so you can pair it with numerous dishes.
- It offers great value for your money, $60+ cheaper than Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2019.
Here is what you’ll get from it:
On the nose, aromas of black cherry and ripe plums combine with subtle notes of dried herbs and smoke.
On the palate, it’s a balanced, complex, and velvety Pinot Noir with flavors of cranberry, fresh raspberry, and ripe cherry, complemented by hints of vanilla and baking spice.
Try it with agnolotti mushroom, roasted vegetables, roasted chicken, duck, turkey, or Comte cheese for example, and it’ll be a delight!
To summarise, Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir is a great bottle for a very good price. It won’t reach the level of elegance that Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir has but it’s still delicious and you’ll save roughly $60 that you can spend on more wines. 😉
Hurry up and stack up a few of these in your cellar before it runs out of stock!
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Best wines under $20 right now
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Plum, Blackberry, Oak, Vanilla, Chocolate.
Have you found yourself in that situation where you just wanted to have a nice glass of wine with no fuss and that tastes delicious?
You know, just for the pleasure of drinking it on its own or having it with that tasty BBQ ribs, grilled lamb, or cheese of yours. Well, Seven Falls Merlot is exactly it and it’s super affordable too.
The three things that make this wine the best budget are:
- It’s silky and complex, which means it’ll be easy to drink with various layers of flavors and aromas.
- It’s the perfect everyday red that delivers every time.
- It cost ~$19 (😲) yes, it’s unbelievable for the quality you get.
Here is what you’ll get from it:
On the nose, it has luxurious and dynamic aromas of ripe strawberry, bright cherry, and faint notes of spicy oak and vanilla.
On the palate, it’s complex, velvety, and smooth with flavors of red currant notes and baking spice, light smoke, earth, and leather.
Try it with mushroom pizza, ratatouille, caramelized cauliflower, pork, turkey, beef bourguignon, and taleggio cheese and it’ll be a delight.
To summarise, Meiomi Pinot Noir is the perfect everyday red, yummy, and silky that delivers every time and is incredibly affordable.
If you though are after more refined bottles and overall experience Belle Glos Dairyman Pinot Noir or Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir are better choices.
Find our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 41% more.
Region: United States, Los Carneros
Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Allspice, Persimmon and Violet.
Cuvaison Estate Grown Pinot Noir is a classic example of the exceptional Pinot Noir wines produced in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, California.
With its complex and elegant flavors, this wine is a testament to the meticulous winemaking process that goes into its production.
It is brimming with bright strawberry, raspberry and fresh cherry flavors made more intriguing with a subtle hint of allspice, persimmon and violet.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Vivino’s 2020 Wine Style Awards: Californian Pinot Noir (2014 Vintage) | 90 by Jeff Leve (2010 Vintage).
Region: United Sonoma Coast.
Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Black Cherry, Oak, Vanilla, Cola, Earthy, Pepper.
The Sonoma Coast supplies our fruit with a gorgeous rolling fog that grants our blend a generous acidity and delicate tannins.
Through the luxurious texture, you find notes of bright raspberry, summer strawberry, and gentle oak spices.
This wine is simply amazing and in case you wonder we are not the only one to share this view.
It ranks 4.6/5 stars from over 6.6k+ Vivino’s users. One of them is pretty enthusiast too, 93Wines says: “Wow! Just wow!”
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 2017 vintage rates better than any other year for this wine.
Region: United States, Willamette Valley
Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Vanilla, Oak, Earthy, Leather.
Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the quality of Pinot Noir produced in the Willamette Valley.
Its balance of complexity and elegance make it a perfect pairing for a wide range of dishes, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
On the palate, it has a medium body with a velvety texture that coats the mouth.
Flavors of black cherry and blackberry dominate, complemented by notes of clove, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Vivino’s 2019 Wine Style Awards: Burgundy Côte de Beaune Red (2013 Vintage)
Region: France, Côte de Beaune
Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Mushroom, Leather, Earthy, Vanilla, Oak, Vanilla, Licorice, Pepper, Violet.
Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune Grèves Premier Cru Vigne de l’Enfant Jesus is a wine that truly embodies the essence of Burgundy, France.
This wine is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the winemakers at Bouchard Père & Fils, who have been producing exceptional wines for over 280 years.
With its complex and elegant flavor profile, this Premier Cru is a must-try for any wine lover, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Expect cherry, raspberry, earth, leather, mushroom, spice and oak toast.
If you go for later vintages make sure you gave it a few years to properly evolve before open it.
Find our full review here.
Region: Italy, Trentino Alto Adige
Tasting notes: Redcurrant, Black Cherry, Plum, Honey, Violet.
Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Nero is a wine that truly captures the essence of the stunning landscape of Alto Adige, Italy.
The winemakers at Abbazia di Novacella have crafted a Pinot Nero that is elegant, sophisticated, and expressive.
With its delicate aromas and flavors, this wine is a true testament to the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in the region.
Sip and savor the flavors of this unique and delightful Pinot Nero.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 61% more.
Region: Germany, Pfalz.
Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Smoke, Earthy, Oak, Vanilla.
Villa Wolf Pinot Noir is warm and medium-bodied, with a firm acid structure. Its dark cherry fruit is juicy, ripe and forward, with a spicy mid-palate.
Twelve months of barrique aging gives the wine a smoky depth and a nice touch of earthy tannins.
This is a very grown-up Pinot Noir for the price, and an excellent wine for everyday dining.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 52% more.
Region: Australia, Mornington Peninsula
Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Oak, Earthy, Pepper.
Moorooduc Pinot Noir is a beautifully crafted wine hailing from the Mornington Peninsula in Australia.
With its rich aromas of dark cherry and blackberry, combined with subtle hints of vanilla and spice, this Pinot Noir is a testament to the passion and dedication of the winemakers at Moorooduc Estate.
With its well-balanced acidity, silky texture, and elegant flavors, this wine is sure to delight any wine lover, whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delicious meal.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Featured in Vivino’s 2020 Wine Style Awards: New Zealand Pinot Noir (2017 Vintage).
Region:New Zealand, Central Otago
Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Oak, Vanilla, Chocolate, Leather, Earthy, Smoke.
Region: South Africa, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Black Fruit, Green Pepper, Earthy, Smoke, Oak, Vanilla.
The Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir is a truly exceptional wine, and a testament to the winery’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
This is a great South African Pinot Noir style bottle. It has complexity and smoothness. It pairs extremely well with red meats like beef, veal, game and chicken.
If you are not yet familiar with the South African style, that’s a great bottle to start with.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 2 times as much.
Region: Argentina, Mendoza
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Cherry, Dark Fruit, Mushroom, Oak.
Experience the beauty and complexity of Argentinian Pinot Noir with Domaine Nico’s Grand Père.
This wine is a stunning representation of the unique terroir and winemaking techniques of Mendoza, where Pinot Noir is not typically grown.
This Argentinian Pinot Noir offers a fantastic value for your money. Medium body, fine tannins and medium-high acidity. Pair it with red meat and you’ll not be disappointed.
That’s another great wine to try out if you fancy exploring other Pinot Noir styles at an affordable price.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: 2017 vintage rates better than any other year for this wine
Region: Chile, Leyda Valley
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry, Black Fruit, Oak, Smoke.
This wine is deep ruby-red in color with violet hues. The nose initially reveals black and red berries such as murtillas, blueberries, black cherries and raspberries.
The mouth provides juicy black fruit flavors and balanced acidity, together with soft, well-rounded tannins over soft French oak.
Read out full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Among top 1% of all wines in the world
Region: France, Champagne
Tasting notes: Apple, Apricot, Red Fruit, Brioche, Toast, Mineral.
Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne N.V. is a true gem of a champagne produced by the young and talented vigneron, Olivier Collin.
Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this champagne boasts a unique character that reflects the terroir of the village of Congy in the Côte des Bar region of Champagne, France.
Expect high acidity, fine and persistent bubbles and more fruity notes than the usual Champagne.
If I were you, I’d find a good excuse to celebrate with this one! 😋
Read our full review here.
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Dark Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry Jam, Pomegranate
Mirassou Pinot Noir is the perfect everyday wine that for just under $10 will conquer you with its red and black cherry notes.
It opens with notes of ripe red and black cherry, its lush layers of fresh raspberry, strawberry jam, and pomegranate.
It’s balanced with hints of oak and vanilla.
Find our full review here.
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Dark Cherry, Ripe strawberry, Cola, Spice
California is known for its Pinot Noir. For around $10-15 you’ll get a good bottle of wine.
Dark cherry, ripe strawberry, cola, and a spicy finish will complement many dishes from veggie, pasta, a vast variety of red meats, and our beloved cheeses.
Try it with mushroom pizza, roasted chicken, or cheddar cheese and it’ll be a delight. At least it was for me!
Find our full review here.
Region: United States, Russian River
Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Oak, Tobacco, Vanilla, Earthy.
Balletto Pinot Noir is a very nice Cali Pinot Noir made in purity that for the price-quality ratio is a real bargain.
On the nose, cherry, strawberry, oak, spice and earthiness.
On the palate, it’s a fresh light body wine with flavors of red fruits like cherry and strawberry that develops into vanilla, cedar and oaky notes.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Editor’s note: “A World-Class 4.5-★ Sonoma Coast Pinot With a Burgundian Soul, From the Estate Making “The Most Exciting Pinot Noir in California””
Region: United States, Sonoma Coast
Tasting notes: Blackberry, Plum, Cherry, Oak, Tobacco, Chocolate, Leather, Licorice, Violet.
This is one of the best bottles you can find under $50. Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s the Vivino Editor’s note: “A World-Class 4.5-★ Sonoma Coast Pinot With a Burgundian Soul, From the Estate Making “The Most Exciting Pinot Noir in California””.
It displays an alluring red velvet hue encompassing a dark rose center with radiant clarity. The first impression shows pure nose filled with ripe strawberries.
After a few swirls, the wine becomes more complex, letting out flowers, additional fruit and nuttiness.
Tempered yet persistent tannins carry pink rose petal and vibrant acidity through the lengthy finish.
Read our full review here.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 36% more.
Region: United States, Sta. Rita Hills
Tasting notes: Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Oak, Tobacco, Chocolate, Leather, Pepper, Earthy.
L’Usine Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a wine that captures the essence of the Central Coast in California.
Its delicate and complex flavors are a testament to the skill and dedication of the winemakers at L’Usine.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a delicious meal, this Pinot Noir is sure to impress and leave a lasting impression.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the elegance and complexity of L’Usine Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir.
Read our full review here.
Region: France, Côte de Nuits
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Black Fruit, Leather, Earthy, Mushroom, Truffles.
Domaine de La Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru is a truly exceptional wine that exemplifies the best of Burgundy.
From the moment you pour it into the glass, you are greeted with an intense bouquet of red and black fruit, spices, and earthy undertones.
On the palate, the wine is complex and full-bodied, with a rich and velvety texture that lingers on the tongue.
It is a wine that demands attention and respect, and one that will leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning of palates.
If you have the opportunity to drink a wine like this one, you’ll soon realize it’s one of a kind experience.
Read our full review here.
Buying Guide to Pinot Noir
It’s not just about which Pinot Noir you should buy. There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.
The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview of all these topics.
Pinot Noir Overview
Here you find an overview of where Pinot Noir is most commonly planted.
Grape
Pinot Noir
ABV
11.5%–15%
Main Regions
France: Burgundy
Other Regions
Australia
Chile
Italy: Northern Italy
Germany
South Africa
New Zealand
USA: California, Oregon
Grape
Pinot Noir
ABV
11.5%–15%
Main Regions
France: Burgundy
Other Regions
Australia
Chile
Italy: Northern Italy
Germany
South Africa
New Zealand
USA: California, Oregon
Pinot Noir Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Pinot Noir.
Color
Pale to Medium Garnet
Nose
Earthy, Herbal Notes
Red berry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Cherry
Spice
Leather
Palate
Red Fruit
Vanilla, Truffle,
Tobacco
Dry to Off-Dry
Medium-High Acidity
Medium-Low Tannins
Medium-Full Body
Color
Pale to Medium Garnet
Nose
Earthy, Herbal Notes
Red berry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Cherry
Spice
Leather
Palate
Red Fruit
Vanilla, Truffle,
Tobacco
Dry to Off-Dry
Medium-High Acidity
Medium-Low Tannins
Medium-Full Body
Pinot Noir Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Pinot Noir.
Appetizer
Mushrooms Agnolotti,
Caramelized Cauliflower,
Casserole of Red Cabbage & Apples
Meat
Duck
Roasted Chicken
Pork
Rabbit
Beef Bourguignon
Fish
Grilled Salmon
Grilled Swordfish
Cheese
Wash-Rind (Taleggio),
Medium-Firm (Comte),
Semi-Hard (Ceddar),
Hard (Pecorino)
Appetizer
Mushrooms Agnolotti,
Caramelized Cauliflower,
Casserole of Red Cabbage & Apples
Meat
Duck
Roasted Chicken
Pork
Rabbit
Beef Bourguignon
Fish
Grilled Salmon
Grilled Swordfish
Cheese
Wash-Rind (Taleggio),
Medium-Firm (Comte),
Semi-Hard (Ceddar),
Hard (Pecorino)
Serve and Store Pinot Noir
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store Pinot Noir.
Decant
30 mins
Glass
Burgundy
Serve at
55 - 64 °F
13 - 18 °C
Store for
Up to 5 years
10+ years finest bottles only
Decant
30 mins
Glass
Burgundy
Serve at
55 - 64 °F
13 - 18 °C
Store for
Up to 5 years
10+ years finest bottles only
Pinot Noir Styles
Pinot Noir taste profile will vary from region to region and the climate. Some examples are:
- France – Burgundy (cool): red fruit and subtle oak aromas, mushroom and forest floor.
- US:
- California (warm): ripe red fruit and intense vanilla flavors. The finest examples develop mushroom and forest floor flavors.
- Oregon (cool): the best wines are similar to the French types with more intense red fruit flavors.
- California (warm): ripe red fruit and intense vanilla flavors. The finest examples develop mushroom and forest floor flavors.
- Australia – Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula (cool): can vary from light to medium with ripe red fruit flavors. They are generally higher in tannins.
- Italy – Northern part (cool): like the French style with tertiary flavors of tobacco.
- New Zealand (cool): rich in red fruit flavors up to dark plum, medium to full body, medium-low tannins with chocolate and spicy notes.
Our Verdict
Pinot Noir is the perfect entry-level red wine. The red fruit is the primary flavor and their intensity and types vary depending on the producer and the region.
What to do Next?
Be sure to serve your Pinot Noir at the right temperature. Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro!
Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Pinot Noir vs Merlot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, the other red wines or Champagne?
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Cabernet Sauvignon.
What does Pinot Noir mean?
“Pinot” is a French word that derives from “pin”, i.e. pine tree, given the resemblance between the bunch of grapes and the pine cone.
“Noir” is a French word that means “blank” in English and comes from the dark skin of the grape.
What is Pinot Noir history?
Pinot Noir is a very ancient grape, possibly from the 1st century AD, from the Burgundy region in France. Today the most expensive and finest bottles of Pinot Noir are from this area.
Where does Pinot Noir grow best?
Pinot Noir gives its best in a cool to moderate climate. The grape has thin skin and it’s quite delicate.
When grown in a warm climate it can lose its freshness and taste too cooked from excessive ripening of the grapes. Despite that, it’s cultivated around the world.
When is the perfect time to drink Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir it’s generally a common choice for the holiday season, given its food pairing options like duck, turkey, and roasted chicken.
In reality, you can have Pinot Noir all year long. The light body version makes it enjoyable even during summer.
Is Pinot Noir sweet?
Pinot Noir is not sweet. You can generally find it dry or off dry. A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L, or sugar per liter.
An off dry wine contains between 15-30 g/l.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
When is the International Pinot Noir day?
The 18th of August is the International Pinot Noir Day.
Why is Pinot Noir usually expensive?
Pinot Noir is a delicate grape and as such it’s prone to rot and diseases which will affect the production.
This has a direct impact on its price and that’s why Pinot Noir is rarely inexpensive.
In which barrels Pinot Noir usually ages?
Pinot Noir has delicate flavors and to preserve them, oak maturations generally happen in large and/or older barrels.
This reduces the surface of contact and avoids overwhelming flavors.
Is Pinot Noir a versatile grape?
Yes it is. Pinot Noir grape is used to produce white, red, rosé, and sparkling wine! Blanc de Noirs Champagne it’s a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier [1].
What’s Pinot Noir's typical price range?
Pinot Noir it’s rarely an inexpensive wine. The most expensive bottles are from France and most precisely from the Côte-d’Or [2]. Price can easily be over $3000 a bottle.
For other regions, the average price will be around $20-$100. You can find some outstanding Pinot Noir examples from Oregon, South Africa, and New Zealand.
