While Pinot Noir, a black grape beloved for its body and zippy fruit notes, originated as a key wine varietal in ancient Greece and then in modern times via France, it has since become one of the most widely planted grapes in California. To give perspective, more than 21 percent of grapes planted across Sonoma County alone are Pinot Noir. Each year on Aug. 18, we celebrate the varietal in all of its fruity, zesty, earthy glory on Pinot Noir Day. Here are 25 great California Pinots to pop open to celebrate:
J Vineyards 2016 Barrel 16 Pinot Noir
This 93-point rated wine from Wine Spectator is a triumph on every level. Indulge in its notes of brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose and then silky mouthfeel with flavors of fruit leather, strawberry, star anise and dried rose. $90
Francis Ford Coppola Reserve Pinot Noir
The color – a deep garnet rivaling even the gemstone itself – is breathtaking, but just the beginning. Open opening, there is a perfume of blackberry in the area, and when tasting it, it is impossible to miss the avalanche of red fruit in every sip. $55
La Crema Pinot Noir 2021 Skycrest Vineyard
Blueberry, plum and raspberry come together in perfect harmony in this California Pinot, balancing with exotic tea spices and a hint of minerality. $65
Williamson Passion Pinot Noir 2021
Enjoy baking spices with red raspberries in this bottle, and toward its climax floral notes, cola and even a hint of pinecone join the party. An exceptionally easy drinker. $65
2019 Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir
This California Pinot Noir is dense yet delicate, acidic yet fruitful, and displays the perfect balance to excite someone who enjoys a lighter wine to a deep, bold red. $75
Handwritten 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
The Santa Rita Hills Appellation in Santa Barbara is an up-and-comer when it comes to Pinot Noirs. This fruit-forward beauty makes it easy to see why, with its epic notes of raspberry and smoked cherry notes coupled with just enough baking spices and acid. $75
Bella Vineyards 2018 Jenkins Vineyard Pinot Noir
Sweet, ripe black cherries come together with juicy, slightly tart red cherries in this balanced bevy of fruit flavor. The acid and sweetness play off each other so well, and then there are a hint of tannins to give just the tiniest bit of bitterness that give it a very cool complexity. $75
Armida 2018 Parmelee-Hill Pinot Noir
Certainly, the cherry notes are present in this California Pinot, and even a little ripe strawberry. But what is really enchanting is the subtle aroma of lavender and the more herbaceous kisses of sage. $42
2020 Alma Rosa El Jabali Pinot Noir
This stunning wine has complex aromas, with notes of rose petals, lilac, black tea and rhubarb, followed by strong notes of red fruit, tart dark cherries, raspberries, a hint of cocoa and white pepper. Chalky tannins are well integrated and balanced, giving this gorgeous California Pinot Noir a long, mouthwatering finish. $85
Lynmar Estate Bliss Block Pinot Noir, 2019
Finessed and fine, this Pinot features aromas of rosemary, rosewater and fleshy, white strawberries. To the taste, there are several layers of flavor, ranging from candied cranberries and allspice to wet stone and cherry. $89
2020 ONEHOPE Pinot Noir, Monterey County
The cool climate of Monterey coupled with sandy soils gives this particular brand exceptionally textured tannins and generous aromas cherry and cranberry. As sipping, do not miss the hints of sassafras and truffle as well. And a bonus: 10 percent of each bottle benefits charity. $40
Trattore Farms 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Big and bold for a Pinot Noir grape, this expression is aged in French oak barrels to bring out bodacious notes of black cherry, pomegranate, vanilla and even a hint of spice from licorice. $50
2020 Ram’s Gate Pinot Noir, Estate
This is a beautifully concentrated take on Pinot. Expect a wild combination of red currants and cranberry jam on the nose and then an explosion of blackberry, raspberry and spice on the palate. $85
Inman Family Wines 2019 Olivet Grange Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir
The intoxicating blend of black cherry, dried rose petals, classic cola and touch of white pepper come together in perfect harmony in every sip of this bottle. The finish is a surprise as well, with a nice touch of bramble fruit and spice. $75
Sterling 2018 Sterling Vineyards Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Bright red fruit – raspberry, strawberry, Bing cherry and a hint of cherry preserves – are the stars of the show here. They are well-balanced, however, with notes of clove, vanilla and the tiniest nuanced notes of caramel. $60
Flowers 2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Do not miss the nose with this one. It opens with sea-kissed evergreen trees and a bevy of floral notes before giving way into a delightful bouquet of cherries and allspice. Tangy and ripe on the palate, enjoy all of the berry flavors to the taste, and even a hint of citrus at the finish. $60
Gary Farrell 2018 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir
Young in its tannins but so mature in its body and acidity, this Pinot is for those looking to dive deep into the varietal. It bewitches with raspberry, loganberry and red plum before surprising with hints of tangy tamarind. $65
Pali, 2021 Pinot Noir Huntington
Made for those looking to ease their way into Pinot Noir, this is ever-so easy to drink with medium spice and ample red fruit notes, especially cherries. $32
Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve California Pinot Noir 2021
Mischievous and marvelous with a glowing dark garnet gem color in the bottle, this expression delivers big when it comes to notes of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, but does not skimp on the cola and mild spice accents –maybe with a bit of tasty vanilla – either. $20
The fruit profile with this wine is varied and complex, first with ultra-ripe strawberry and then with tart rhubarb pie, followed by sweet maraschino cherries. While enjoying, the fruit is complemented by hibiscus and even a bit of forest floor. $56
2020 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Rod Strong was among the first modern wine pioneers with a vision to plant Pinot Noir in California in 1968. This 2020 expression is a beautiful tribute to his dedication with deep aromas of plum and brown sugar and flavor notes of baked cherry and spice. $30
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Pinot Noir, Freestone Vineyards 2021
Upon opening, this bottle perfumes the air with black raspberry and cherry. Both notes are also present on the palate, but with a really interesting mix of herbs and other dark berries. $60
CAST Wines Pinot Noir, Bacigalupi Vineyard, 2021
Bottled un-fined and unfiltered, this California Pinot is a celebration of plum, cassis, sugared violets, blood orange rind and crystallized ginger on the nose and brambly berry, and mulling spice notes to the taste. $65
Expressive, silky and refined, Jolie is an incredible blend of crushed raspberry, black cherry and jasmine tea with subtle cinnamon stick aromas. Subtle tannins frame the wine and provide a delightfully long finish. $70
Bowman Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Oh-so-smooth to the taste, this dense and delightful offering is a celebration of ripe blackberry with just a touch of earth for balance. $46