Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the primary red grape of Burgundy, Champagne, Oregon and New Zealand. It is a temperamental thin-skinned grape that is sensitive to light exposure, pruning and soil types, generally low-yielding and highly susceptible to rot and fungal diseases. However, it can produce some of the world’s most sought-after and attractive wines, particularly from Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Depending on its origins, wines produced with Pinot Noir exhibit a range of aromas, textures and flavors, but are commonly light to medium bodied with red berry and earthy characteristics. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Pinot Noir among our extensive Pinot Noir wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Pinot Noir reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Pinot Noir, and will help you find one that best suits your needs. Read on to learn more about Pinot Noir wines listed below, or, if you prefer white wine, check out our Pinot Grigio ratings.
Orfila 1999 Pinot Noir (Edna Valley)
- $35
There are some cherry-berry and pepper flavors here, but the wine is too soft, and drinks fruity and simple. There are also some overripe, pruny tastes, leading to a hot finish. —S.H.
— S.H.
(2/1/2003)
Louis Jadot 1999 Pinot Noir (Chambolle-Musigny)
- $37
This is a dry style of wine, with light, fresh red fruit and some dry tannins. The wine lacks concentration, but is perfectly pleasant.
— R.V.
(11/1/2002)
Mommessin 2000 Oak Aged Pinot Noir (Bourgogne)
- $13
. Strong, penetrating scents of spice and resin power the nose. The fruit tastes of tart berries and plums, with just a tiny suggestion of cocoa in the finish. Though this wine is light and short, it is still flavorful.
— P.G.
(11/1/2002)
Calvet 1999 Pinot Noir (Nuits-St.-Georges)
- $39
The nose promises a bit of texture and flesh, and there are some slightly sweet, slightly caramelized flavors hinting at over-ripe fruit. A suggestion of green onion and fresh garlic creeps into the finish.
— P.G.
(11/1/2002)
Belford Springs 2000 Pinot Noir
- Best Buy
- $8
It has recognizably Pinot qualities of silky tannins and a round, easy mouthfeel. The fruit is thin, and there’s some bitterness on the short finish. —S.H.
— S.H.
(4/1/2003)
Château Bianca 2000 Winery Estate Reserve Pinot Noir
- $28
Thin for a reserve. The fruit is watery and tart, with flavors of beetroot and a vegetal finish. Breathing time and food may help.—P.G.
— P.G.
(4/1/2003)
Clos du Bois 2001 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County)
- $17
A simple, soft, fruity and one-dimensional Pinot that offers up slight flavors of raspberries, pepper and tobacco. Fully dry, with silky tannins and bracing acids, but it’s hard to get over the anorexic profile.
— S.H.
(7/1/2003)
Napa Ridge 2001 Pinot Noir
- $10
Soft, fruity and simple, a somewhat bitter wine marked by cherry, cola and herb flavors. Turns supple and silky on the finish.
— S.H.
(7/1/2003)
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