Best Pinot Noir Napa Valley

of Dec 2024

Pinot Noir is a popular grape variety grown in many wine-growing regions around the world. One of the most famous areas for Pinot Noir is Napa Valley, California. The cool climate, diverse soils, and unique microclimates in Napa Valley create ideal growing conditions for this delicate grape, resulting in some of the best Pinot Noir wines in the world.

Tip 1: Look for Single Vineyard Wines

Pinot Noir is a grape that is highly susceptible to its environment, and the smallest changes in climate or soil can greatly impact the flavor and quality of the wine. Therefore, it is important to look for Pinot Noir wines that are made from grapes grown in a single vineyard. These wines are often more expressive, complex, and nuanced than wines made from a blend of grapes from multiple vineyards. Single vineyard wines are also an excellent way to taste the unique terroir of a particular site.

Example: 2016 Aubert UV-SL Pinot Noir

The 2016 Aubert UV-SL Pinot Noir is a single vineyard wine from the UV-SL vineyard in Napa Valley. This wine is highly sought after by collectors due to its expressive aromas of red fruits, spices, and earth, as well as its smooth tannins and long finish.

Tip 2: Consider the Winemaker

Pinot Noir is a finicky grape that requires a skilled winemaker to coax the best flavors and textures out of the fruit. When choosing a Pinot Noir from Napa Valley, it is important to consider the winemaker behind the wine. Look for wines made by reputable winemakers who have a track record of producing high-quality Pinot Noir wines.

Example: Kosta Browne Pinot Noir

Kosta Browne is a well-respected winery in Napa Valley that specializes in Pinot Noir. The winery is known for working with top vineyards in the region and for their attention to detail in winemaking. Their Pinot Noir wines consistently receive high scores from wine critics and have a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.

Tip 3: Consider the Vintage

The vintage year of a wine can greatly impact its taste and quality. In Napa Valley, the weather conditions during the growing season can vary greatly from year to year, which can affect the ripeness and quality of the grapes. It is important to do some research on the growing season for a particular vintage year to determine if it was a good year for Pinot Noir in Napa Valley.

Example: 2018 Vintage

The 2018 vintage in Napa Valley was characterized by an early start to the growing season, a mild summer, and a later than usual harvest. These conditions produced wines with bright acidity, ripe fruit flavors, and supple tannins. Some of the best Pinot Noir wines from the 2018 vintage include the 2018 Blackbird Vineyards Arise, the 2018 Cakebread Cellars Two Creeks Vineyards, and the 2018 Truchard Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir.

Tip 4: Consider the Price Point

Pinot Noir wines from Napa Valley can range in price from affordable to extremely expensive. It is important to consider your budget when choosing a Pinot Noir wine from this region. Keep in mind that higher priced wines are not necessarily better, and there are plenty of excellent Pinot Noir wines available at a more affordable price point.

Example: 2018 Decoy Pinot Noir

The 2018 Decoy Pinot Noir is a great example of an affordable Pinot Noir wine from Napa Valley. This wine is made by the renowned Duckhorn Vineyards and is priced at around $25 per bottle. It is a fruit-forward wine with notes of raspberry, cherry, and vanilla, and has a smooth, medium-bodied texture. This wine is a great value for those looking for a quality Pinot Noir without breaking the bank.

Tip 5: Visit Napa Valley and Taste the Wines

If possible, the best way to choose a Pinot Noir from Napa Valley is to visit the region and taste the wines yourself. Napa Valley is home to hundreds of wineries, many of which specialize in Pinot Noir. Visiting the wineries and talking to the winemakers and tasting room staff can give you an inside look into the winemaking process and can help you discover new and exciting wines to try.

Example: Book a Tour and Tasting

One of the best ways to experience the Pinot Noir wines of Napa Valley is to book a tour and tasting at a winery that specializes in Pinot Noir. Some great options include Kosta Browne, Etude, Patz & Hall, and Domaine Carneros. These wineries offer a unique and educational experience that allows you to taste and learn about the different styles of Pinot Noir wines being made in Napa Valley.

Conclusion

Choosing a Pinot Noir wine from Napa Valley can seem daunting at first, with so many options available. However, by considering the vineyard, winemaker, vintage, price point, and visiting the region to taste the wines, you can make an informed decision and discover some of the best Pinot Noir wines in the world.