Are There Any Under $30 2018 Domestic Pinot Noirs Worth Drinking? 30 Prospects Priced Less Than $30
“In the search for great Pinot, you may not always get what you pay for,
but you will never get what you don’t pay for, in short,
great Pinot is never cheap.”
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Great domestic Pinot Noir does not come cheap these days. Do you prefer double or triple digits? Here are
some prices of recently released ultra-premium California Pinot Noir wines: 2017 Calera Jensen Vineyard Mt.
Harlan Pinot Noir $100, 2017 Arista Harper’s Rest Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $110, 2018 Aubert CIX
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $110, 2018 Rhys Vineyards Swan Terrace Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir $119,
2017 Goldeneye Ten Degrees Anderson Valley Pinot Noir $130, 2017 L’Usine Annapolis Ridge Vineyard
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir $150, 2017 Cirq Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $150, and 2017 Kosta Browne
Treehouse Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $200.
Examples of recently released ultra-premium Oregon Pinot Noir wines: 2017 Adelsheim Bryan Creek
Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir $100, 2017 Ponzi Vineyards Avellana Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir $105,
2018 Beaux Frères The Upper Terrace Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir $110, 2018 OO Wines Richard Hermann
Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $125, 2018 Archery Summit Summit Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
$125, 2014 The Eyrie Vineyards South Block Reserve Dundee Hills Pinot Noir $180, and 2016 Domaine
Serene Monogram Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $295.
Of course, these exalted prices pale in comparison to Napa Valley prestige releases such as 2016 Shafer
Stags Leap District Hillside Select ($310), 2017 Opus One ($365) and 2015 Abreu Thorevilos ($525).
Scarecrow, Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon wines can approach $1000 a bottle upon
release.
In 2020, the economic environment is pinching many wine consumers, reminding me of the words of Tom
Paxton’s song, ‘Bottle of Wine’: “Times getting rough I ain’t got enough To buy me a bottle of
wine.” Forget about great, even very good or good Pinot Noir has often priced over $30 a
bottle, so I set out to find some under $30 domestic Pinot Noir wines that are worth drinking.
I chose to concentrate on the 2018 vintage because the growing seasons in both California
and Oregon displayed nearly perfect growing conditions and the wines are currently widely
available in the marketplace. There are still plenty of 2017 vintage Pinot Noirs available to
shoppers and the 2019 vintage Pinot Noirs are just now making their appearance.
Prices in the under $30 Pinot Noir category vary and a search of retailers on the internet (try
wine-searcher.com) can reveal the best buy. I have included at least one source for each
wine. Free shipping may be included as an inducement to buy at least 6 bottles.
For this class of Pinot Noir wines, little information is provided on the labels as to the exact wine region(s) the
grapes came from, the vineyard(s) sourced, who made the wine and the vinification methods. When the back
label says, “Produced and Bottled By,” then by law, 75% or more of the wine in the bottle must have been
made (fermented) by the producer listed on the stated address. More often, with less expensive wines, the
back label may say, “Vinted and Bottled By,” in which case the winery on the label may have very little to do with
making the wine at the stated address, or “Cellared and Bottled By,” in which case the wine was only aged or
cellared by the depicted winery until bottling. In many cases, only the name of the “phantom winery” that may
have sourced bulk or declassified wine from any number of producers and slapped a label on the bottle is
identified.
The consumer has no way to know whether a “Pinot Noir” was made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The
likelihood is higher in Pinot Noir from Oregon where if the label says “Willamette Valley,” at least 90% of the
grapes must be Pinot Noir. California adheres to the federal standard that only requires 75% of the wine to be
Pinot Noir. A resulting wine that is not 100% Pinot Noir can be a disappointing reflection of what Pinot Noir
should be.
I tried to pick a representative group of wines. It is clear to me that there are under $30 wines that are worth
drinking and worth searching out. Look for “Produced and Bottled by” on the back label since these usually
represent a more reliable quality wine. The 2018 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offered the best bang
for the buck and the 2018 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir edged out California’s 2018
Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir and Oregon’s 2018 Evesham Wood La Grive
Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir for the sweepstakes.
If you, the reader, come across a great domestic Pinot Noir priced under $30 that is not included here, let me
know and I will pass it on to other readers in the next issue of the PinotFile.
Buffo(Excellent wine value)
2018 Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., 10,000 cases, $29.95 (K&L Wines, San
Francisco, CA). Produced and bottled by Cristom Vineyards, Inc.,
Salem, OR. Whole cluster and native yeast fermented. Vineyards
farmed Biodynamically and Certified Sustainable.
·
Terrific when tasted
after two days from a previously opening and re-corked bottle indicating
not only short-term but long-term enjoyability. Heads and shoulders
above anything else in this under $30 price category.
Score: 93
2018 Martin Ray Hallberg Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 300 cases, $27.50 (Wine Slash - original
SRP $45). Produced and bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa,
CA. Best of Class, Double Gold 2020 Sonoma County Harvest Fair.
Aged 12 months in new French oak barrels.
·
Dark garnet color in the
glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry cola, dark red rose petal and a
hint of soap. The enchanting velvety texture is alcohol driven in this
mid-weight styled wine offering charming black cherry and spice
flavors. Impressive fruit presence and pedigree with submerged
tannins. My only nit is the slightest sense of alcoholic warmth.
Score: 92
2018 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.60, $29.95 (SRP is $35 but discounted by
some retailers such as K&L Wines, San Francisco). Produced and
bottled by Morgan Winery, Salinas, CA. A blend of grapes from Double
L (62%), Rosella’s, Boekenoogen, KW and Tondre vineyards. 100% destemmed,
native and cultured yeast fermentation in small, open-top
tanks. Over 12 clones. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 35% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of earthkissed
black cherry and spice. Plentiful ripe black cherry and blackberry
fruit flavors in a mid-weight plus, exuberant, fruit-driven style with a
good supportive acid vibe. A underlying earthiness adds interest.
Score: 92
2018 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $26 (Vinopolis, Portland, OR). Grown,
produced and bottled by Evesham Wood Vineyard & Winery, Inc.,
Salem, OR.. Made from organic grapes grown on non-irrigated vines.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry and berry and
damp mulch lead off. Very bright and fresh in a mid-weight style
offering a mix of juicy red fruits framed by compatible tannins. Finishes
very long with a lip-smacking cherry goodness. This wine overdelivers
for the price.
Score: 91
2018 Husch Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $21.99 (K&L
Wines, San Francisco, CA). Grown, produced and bottled by H.A.
Oswald Family, Philo, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Aromas of red pie cherries, spice, loamy earth and oak. Energetic
cherry, strawberry and dried herb flavors greet the palate and proceed
to some length of finish. Beautifully balanced, with merged tannins and
juicy acidity. This wine grows in appeal over time in the glass.
Score: 91
2018 Loring Wine Company Cooper Jaxon Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 800 cases, $29, screw cap (winery mailing list).
Produced and Bottled by Loring Wine Company, Lompoc, CA. The
2019 vintage (also $29) has just been released. A multi-vineyard blend
that includes multiple Dijon clones. Aged 10 months in French oak
barrels, 15% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Instant pleasure
in the glass with fresh aromas and flavors of black cherry, black
raspberry and spice invigorated with uplifting acidity and moderated by
gentle tannins. Everything is working in harmony in this immensely
appealing value-priced offering. This is the perfect everyday, go-to
Pinot Noir.
Score: 91
2018 Averaen Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., pH 3.65, TA
0.675, $17.99 (Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa, CA). Produced and bottled by
Averaen Wines, Dundee, OR. The Oregon arm of Banshee Wines that
originated in Sonoma County. This wine is sourced from multiple
vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley.
·
Moderate garnet color in
the glass. Lovely aromas of black cherry, rose petal, peat and earthy
flora. Plenty of black cherry driven mid palate intensity with subtle oak
backing and gently firm and focused tannins. The satiny texture entices
as does the finish that is noticeably persistent.
Score: 90
2018 Banshee Sonoma County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $19.99 (Total
Wine). Vinted and Bottled by Banshee Wines, Sonoma, CA.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Delicate but pleasing aromas of red
cherry and berry with a touch of spice. Light to mid-weight and elegant
in style, offering flavors of red cherry and red raspberry framed by
downy tannins. A very solid offering with admirable harmony.
Score: 90
2018 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
$25 (Wine Slash). Vinted and bottled by Hartford Family winery, Santa
Rosa, CA.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Deep aromas of
black cherry and floral perfume. Mid-weight flavors of boysenberry and
black raspberry create intense mid-palate joy and finishing with modest
power. Sleek and polished, with subtle oak enhancement. Alcohol is
well-hidden.
Score: 90
2018 Sean Minor Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., $14.49
(Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa). Vinted and bottled by Sean Minor, American
Canyon, Napa County, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
Very engaging scent of cherry and baking spices. Delicious mid-weight
core of fresh Bing cherry fruit goodness along with a touch of cola and
spice. Very accommodating balance with some finishing power and
length. No oak in sight. A fantastic value.
Score: 90
2018 Sostener Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
13.9% alc.,
$11.98-$19.99 (Wine-Searcher). Produced from old vines at the
McIntyre Estate Vineyard.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass.
The nose slowly opens to reveal pleasing aromas of black cherry and
allspice. Very polished, elegant and easygoing on the palate, featuring
black cherry and strawberry flavors accompanied with a riff of spice.
Good acid verve and sparse tannins make for juicy early enjoyment. My
only nit would be a bit of shallowness on the mid palate and a modest
finish. An excellent everyday Pinot Noir and a solid value in old vine
Pinot Noir.
Score: 90
Good (Congenial wine at a decent price point)
2018 Angeline Vineyards Mendocino County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $16.99, screw cap (Total Wine). Vinted
and bottled by Angeline, Santa Rosa, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry and
underbrush lead to a red-fruited, mid-weight wine with a better finish than entry. Silky in texture, with friendly
tannins and acidity.
Score: 89
2018 Arterberry Maresh Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $26 (Vinopolis, Portland,
OR). Produced and bottled by Arterberry Maresh, Dundee, OR.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. An
array of aromas present upon opening including red cherry, dried herbs, seasoned oak and nori. Lighter
weighted and elegantly composed, with the essence of red cherry and cranberry fruit flavors backed by gentle
tannins. A good grip of acidity powers the well-spiced, red fruit finish. This wine’s shallow mid-palate is made
up by the surge of fruit on the finish.
Score: 89
2018 Balletto Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $19.99 (Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa, CA). Produced
and bottled by Barlletto Vineyards, Santa Rosa, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Assertive
aromas of Bing cherry and exotic spices lead off. A solid, seamless wine, with the essence of black cherry and
ripe strawberry showing presence without pronounced body. Minimal tannins make for easy drinking. The finish
is quenching but without length.
Score: 89
2018 Failla Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $24.95 (K&L Wines, San Francisco, CA). Produced and
bottled by Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars, McMinnville, OR.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely
perfumed with aromas of blackberry, cassis and vanilla. Robust in style with a lavish core of purple and black
berry fruits framed by bold but matched tannins. Oak plies the background and appears in the lengthy, fruitladen
finish. An exuberant California-styled Pinot Noir that flirts with over-ripeness.
Score: 89
2018 Martin Ray Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $14.99, screw cap (Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa, CA).
Vinted and bottled by Martin Ray Winery, Santa Rosa, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Deep
aromas of dark cherry, cola and cardamom spice. A flood of well-ripened boysenberry, black raspberry and
blackberry fruit flavors greet the palate. More richness and tannic backbone than most wines in this price
category with the somewhat potent tannins evident on the long finish.
Score: 89
2018 Olema Sonoma County Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $19.99 (Total Wine) Cellared and bottled by Amici
Cellars, American Canyon, Napa County, CA.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant
aromas of black fruits with a hint of oak. A mid-weight plus styled wine rich in blackberry and black raspberry
fruits. Soft in the mouth with integrated tannins and overall good balance. Not complex in a fruit-driven style
with some finish that is satisfying. This wine would appeal to those looking for more fruit abundance and
ripeness.
Score: 89
2018 The Four Graces Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $22.97 (Total Wine). Vinted and Bottled by
The Four Graces Winery, McMinnville, OR.
·
Strikingly deep garnet color. Aromas of black cherry, rose petal and
vanilla are accompanied by some volatile acidity (apple core) initially. Great harmony with plenty of luscious
purple berry fruits that are very satisfying. A middleweight style with excellent harmony, restrained tannins and
some finishing persistence.
Score: 89
2018 Wrath EX Monterey Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $27 (winery website). Produced and Bottled by Wrath
Wines, Soledad, CA.
·
Light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cherry and spice that fade a bit over
time in the glass. Light in weight but very charming, offering an array of juicy red fruits framed by gossamer
tannins. Easy to cozy up to. Pinot Noir unplugged.
Score: 89
Adequate (Passable but not special)
2018 Drew Mid-Elevation Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir
13.4% alc. $29.99 (K&L Wines, San Francisco, CA).
Produced and bottled by Drew Family Cellars, Elk, CA.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of land and
sea include pine forest, sap and nori. Perfumed red and black cherry flavors have a woodsy edge. Juicy and
bright, with a satisfying acid underbelly and very modest tannins. Finishes with some persistent glory.
Score: 88
2018 FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $28 (Wine Slash). Produced and bottled by FEL Wines,
Sonoma, CA. I have had better vintages of this wine.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of
black cherry, earthy flora and smoky oak lead to a mid-weight plus styled wine featuring a rush of bold, earthbound
boysenberry and black raspberry fruit flavors. Some tannic astringency infuses the finish and there is
the slightest awareness of alcoholic warmth.
Score: 88
2018 Larkspur Dundee Oregon Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $9.99 (Kroger and other markets with a 6-bottle
purchase). 100% Pinot Noir. Produced by Larkspur Wine Company, Dundee, OR.
·
Moderately light garnet color
in the glass. Welcoming aromas of black cherry and subtle oak spice. Silky in the mouth and very comfortable,
with a core of black cherry fruit accented with a hint of spice. The tannins are well-proportioned, the oak is wellmannered,
and the dry, lip-smacking finish has a little length. This wine will not lead to an epiphany but will
work as a satisfying everyday quaff.
Score: 88
2018 Scar of the Sea Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., $24.95 (K&L Wines, San Francisco,
CA).. Produced and bottled by Scar of the Sea, Santa Maria, CA.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Aloof but
pleasant aromas of red cherry, cranberry, rose petal and sandalwood. Very elegant in a light-weight style
somewhat akin to a rosé featuring fresh and bright flavors of red cherry and berry with gossamer tannins and a
touch of oak.
Score: 88
2018 Blank Canvas California Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $12.84 (Kroger supermarket). Vinted and bottled by
American Wine Cellars, Napa, CA.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry vanilla Coke
lead off. Aims to please in a modest way with mid-weight flavors of red cherry and berry backed by good acidity
and tame tannins. Short on the finish, with a compliment of oak in the background.
Score: 87
2018 Flaneur Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.0% alc., $24.40, screw cap (Vinopolis, Portland, OR).
Produced and bottled by Flaneur Wines, Carlton, OR. Native yeast fermentation. Aged in 5% new French oak
barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose offers not particularly redeeming aromas of peppery
spice, black cherry and underbrush. Better on the palate with middleweight flavors of dark red and black cherry.
The tannins rise up noticeably on the modest finish.
Score: 86
2018 Joyce Submarine Canyon Monterey Pinot Noir
13.2% alc., $19.95 (K&L Wines, San Francisco, CA).
Produced and bottled by Joyce Vineyards LLC, Salinas, CA.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose
opens over time in the glass to reveal aromas of cherry, underbrush and toasty oak. Light to mid-weight in
concentration, featuring red and black cherry fruits that offer good length on the mid palate but finish a bit flat
and short. Silky in texture, with balanced tannins and noticeable but not overly-intrusive oak on the finish.
Score: 86
Avoid (Not recommended at any price)
2018 A. Viloria Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 75 cases, $17.99 (Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa). Cellared
and bottled by A. Viloria Winery, Santa Rosa, CA.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Reluctant aromas of red
cherry, red current and maple syrup. Light in weight, with a woody and herbaceous vibe infusing the core of
cherry and raspberry fruits. Crisp acidity powers the finish.
Score: 85
2018 Firesteed Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
14.1%, $10.77, screw cap (Total Wine). Cellared and bottled by
Firesteed Cellars, Hopland, CA . Grapes grown in Oregon.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Unusual
aromas of oiled wood, red candy, balsam and dark red cherry. Light to mid-weight flavors of cherry and
raspberry with a noticeable woody note. Easygoing but shallow, with tame tannins and a very modest finish.
Score: 85
2018 1849 Wine Company Iris Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $29.99 (Kroger and other
supermarkets). Cellared and bottled by 1849 Wine Company, St. Helena, CA. Striking label that is part of the
1849 Contemporary Art Collection. Aged 10 months in new French and Hungarian oak barrels.
·
Moderate
garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, dark berry and toasty oak lead off. The modest and silky
tannins are folded into the mid-weight black cherry fruit core that is imprinted with oak. There is a burnt quality
to this wine on both the nose and palate.
Score: 85
2018 Talbott Logan Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $22.49, screw
cap (Total Wine). Estate Grown, Produced and Bottled by Robert Talbott Vineyards, Salinas, CA.
·
Moderate
garnet color in the glass. The nose reveals a very ripe fruit profile with oak-induced ash and cigar aromas. Oak
dominates the wine’s flavor profile that is centered around a black cherry fruit core. Drinkable, but little
redeeming value.
Score: 85
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