Pinot noir is arguably the most charismatic of all grape varieties, and without doubt the hardest to get right. Amazingly, Pinot noir wines are among the most popular in the world which is great because I LOVE Pinot noir. In our last post we covered the top 10 White wines. This time we'll cover the top 10 Pinot Noir and see what we find below. Also, note we will be doing a series of these posts for some of the most popular varietals so check back soon. Enjoy!
Sadly most of these wines are now sold out. However, we've written a post about "Great Alternatives to the Wine Spectator 100 When They Are Sold Out", so that you can easily grab a similar one.
The 2012 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir displays vibrant ruby color with floral aromas accompanied by red fruit and and hints of spice. Juicy and savory, this 100% whole cluster wine has a long and lasting finish.Pure, rich and vivid, with snappy wild berry, pomegranate, lavender, black tea and mint notes, ending with firm tannins and a stemmy edge, lending traction to the palate.
Score:94
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An engaging, seductive nose suggests black cherry, bing cherry, dried cranberry, spice and rose petals, with a hint of anise. Entry on the palate is silky for a wine that quickly displays an uncommon level of generosity – it fairly explodes on the mid palate, with noteworthy extract. The anise notes suggested in its aromatics expand to include fennel and red licorice, quite exotic. Lots of spice box notes and some white pepper appear, with scorched earth, dried beef and dark roasted coffee notes.
Score: 95
The 2011 vintage provided a rare occasion in California to make a wine elegant in style, more delicate, more fragrant and more feminine in nature than usual. This is a joyful wine that retains its freshness yet remains reserved. It is lively with vibrant acidity that carries red fruit aromas of strawberry and raspberry. This is a very special vintage for us—the year dry farming finally fulfilled its promise.
Score: 93
The low-vigor, stony, clay-rich soil, cool maritime mesoclimate, naturally tiny yields of under 30 hl/ha and our philosophy of expressing our terroir in our wines – give rise to a certain tightness, tannin line and elevated length to balance the richness and generosity of our Pinot noir. Our Pinot noir is not overtly fruity, soft and "sweet" and it generally shows hints of that alluring savory "primal" character along with a dark, spicy, complex primary fruit perfume.
Score: 93
Amazingly seductive, from the initial aromas of smoky, toasty, creamy vanilla-scented oak to the richer mix of wild berry and raspberry fruit. Lifts midpalate and soars from there, finishing with a pleasing tannic grip and a long, persistent finish.
Score: 97
On the heels of the late and cool 2010 and 2011 vintage, 2012 was a welcome sight. Although the season started with wet and long spring weather, the summer brought dry and warm conditions. From July through mid-October there were only trace amounts of precipitation. Days were warm, but nights stayed cool giving us beautiful ripeness and sugar, while maintaining bright acidity. Crops were low,due to the wet spring, increasing the intensity of fl avor. 2012 is being hailed as an "epic" vintage in Oregon wine history and the wines are proving that to be true.
Score: 91
The 2012 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir offers signature depth and complexity, opening with red fruit and cola notes with scents of lilac, leather, tobacco and light cloves. The palate unfurls in layers of dark cherry and salted caramel, with subtle chocolate shavings and rose petals lingering on the dark strawberry finish. Alluring, offering a mix of supple, graceful plum and blackberry flavors, with pretty floral scents. This is a delightfully harmonious and elegant offering, presenting deep, rich flavors and solid length and persistence.
Score: 93
The Acrobat Pinot Noir achieves an all too rare goal in this day and age, delivering a high quality, Oregon Pinot Noir at an affordable price. The grapes come from our organic estate vineyards and other sustainably farmed vineyards throughout Western Oregon. Balanced flavors of fruit, spice and tannin come together on a long persistent finish.
Score: 90
Its deep purple hue reflects its density. Full of wild berries, white pepper, violets and a touch of light oak. A full mouth feel of sweet black cherry, cinnamon, milk chocolate finishing with sea salt.Notably floral and spicy, with firm tannins amid the dark berry, mocha, roasted herb and fresh-turned earth flavors. This is complex, dense and persistent, gaining depth and length.
Score: 90
This is a complex and concentrated wine which is perfect for drinking immediately. With careful cellaring this wine will continue to develop for years to come. It has a dark glossy garnet core with purple hues on the rim. A concentrated nose with black cherry, wild blackberry and sweet ripe raspberry, complemented by aromatics of violets, dried thyme and a touch of spice. A luscious and elegant full palate with delicious black fruits - boysenberries, blackberries, and blueberries. A refined, elegant structure supports a rich complex toasty finish with spice and amazing length. Beautifully matched with duck casserole, rare venison steaks or warm pumpkin and feta salad.
Score: 92
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