10 Reviews: Best Pinot Noir Wine for Beginners (Apr 2024)

When you see the term “Bourgogne” on the label, you know you’re looking at a Burgundy bottle. It’s called ‘Rouge,’ and it’s red wine. Pinot noir is the only component of red Burgundy. Compared to California pinot, the aromas in France are more reminiscent of mushrooms and spices than of fruit and flowers. This drink has a fruity, herbal flavor that is reminiscent of a hibiscus tea infusion. A gentle wine is one that lacks tartness and tannins. This wine is perfect for each occasion, every meal, and every time of day.

For more than three decades, Oakridge has been making wine in Australia’s Yarra Valley. There are many different types of table wines produced in the Yarra Valley, and Over The Shoulder wines are a good way to show them all off. From Woori Yallock (Lusatia), Coldstream (Oakridge), and Gladysdale, the grapes for 2020 Over the Shoulder Pinot Noir were harvested (Willowlake). Prior to pressing into French oak barrels for maturation, the fruit was gently de-stemmed for whole berry fermentation for three weeks in open-top fermenters. Oakridge’s ‘Over the Shoulder’ Pinot Noir, which was released in 2020, is a brilliant, deep crimson with a little purple tint. An intense bouquet of red fruit smells – such as raspberries and cherries – permeates the air.

Known across the world for its exquisite, pure fruit and elegance, California Pinot noir flourishes in the colder coastal regions of the state. Strawberry, black cherry, plum, and potpourri tastes and aromas mingle with forest floor, mushroom, and black tea notes in the greatest California Pinot noir, which has a silky texture and balanced acidity that allows it to become better with age. There’s nothing else like it when it comes to a Pinot Noir. Black cherry, cola, strawberry, and plum flavors abound, as do gentle tannins in this medium-bodied red. Since it’s so popular, it’s no surprise. It goes nicely with light tomato-based pasta sauces, a juicy cheeseburger, grilled salmon, and roasted pork tenderloin, but you can also drink it on its own if you don’t cook.

Aromas of citrus and orange blossom combine with undertones of tropical fruit and butterscotch to create a lively pinot noir wine. With a full-bodied mouthfeel and acidity that is well-balanced, this wine has an appealing silky, smooth texture on the tongue. Fresh citrus flavors such as lemon and pineapple, as well as subtle butter notes and creamy minerality, combine to create an exquisite and lingering finish.

For Mirassou’s Pinot Noir, a large portion of the grapes were picked at night and then cold soaked for 24 hours before fermentation to boost color extraction and aromatics. The wine was emptied and pressed before fermentation was completed in order to get the most vibrant color and taste possible from the fruit. Finally, it was subjected to malolactic fermentation, which resulted in a supple, smooth texture.

The Heritage Reserve distinction is used to all of DeLoach’s California appellation wines, indicating their dedication to presenting the Golden State’s sun-drenched terroir. The 2017 California Pinot Noir opens with a burst of red fruit scents and flavors of cherry, cranberry, and strawberry, as well as a hint of baked spice. With a medium-bodied, juicy finish, the wine is delicate and well-balanced.

Organically produced grapes are used in this modest winery’s barrel-aged wines, which are matured in neutral French oak. This is a lesser-known wine, but if you get the opportunity to try it, be careful to allow it to open up or decant before consuming. Excellent bargain for a high-quality Pinot Noir. Its wine experts believe that this Californian Pinot Noir wine will pair well with the following dishes: steak, veal, game (deer, venison), and fowl.

In regards to the winemakers notes, I definiely get a heavy strawberry, red licorice and baking spices. It's a bold Pinot noir and not a bit boring! I really like the spice on top of the strawberry.

by Meredith Michener

Anderson Valley, an hour north of Sonoma, is home to this wine, which is made from grapes grown in a lesser-known location. This is an outstanding Pinot Noir, with a silky texture and savory aromas to complement it. The finish is medium to full-bodied and well-balanced. Its wine experts believe that this Californian Pinot Noir wine would be a match made in heaven with the following dishes: beef, veal, game (deer, venison), chicken, and poultry.

This is an excellent fruity Pinot fir drinking on a cold winter night. Paired with pizza and dark chocolate in addition to adjust sipping.

by Martha Sloboda

The grapes for this 100 percent Pinot Noir vineyard, which is located off the Sonoma Highway, originate from a combination of California’s greatest PN growing locations (Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Monterey). French oak that has been matured for 10 months imparts mild oak tastes. Simply said, this is a well-balanced, medium-bodied, and delightful California Pinot Noir. If you are in the Santa Rosa, California region, this is a great winery to visit. Outdoor seating that is surrounded by a magnificent fountain is provided.

Nicely complex and very dry. Leather notes with young blackberry citrus and some tannon and alcohol finish.

by Torin S

This light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Oregon has a finer bone structure than California Pinot Noir, and it has a more complex fragrance and taste profile that includes strawberry and raspberry aromas as well as flowery and earthy notes like mushroom and truffle. Oregon’s Pinot Noir, like those produced by other well-known places that grow this Noble grape, may be as complex and appealing as a superb red Burgundy wine.

Very good surprising pinot. Great fruit, well balanced. Food acidity and long in the mouth

by Pedro Bachmann