As we navigate through this year's selection of best value wines, the anticipation is palpable as we finally reach the doors of one of the most celebrated grape varieties - Pinot Noir.
While it might seem like an overstatement, the curiosity surrounding this grape is undeniable. Renowned for its exquisite and often expensive expressions in Burgundy, and increasingly sought after in New World regions like Oregon and Central Otago, Pinot Noir has a unique charm that captivates wine enthusiasts. Despite its prestigious reputation, this list proves that excellent Pinot Noirs can be found without breaking the bank.
To determine the top 10 best value Pinot Noirs, we calculate value for money by dividing the aggregated critic scores—all impressively in the early-to-mid-90s—by the price. The wines on this list range from USD 14 to USD 35. The higher the ratio of score to price, the better the value.
Top 10 Best Value Pinot Noirs on Wine-Searcher
1. 2019 Bacchus Cellars Ginger's Cuvee Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 6.78
Leading the pack is the 2019 Bacchus Cellars Ginger's Cuvee Pinot Noir. Hailing from California, this wine is whimsical and versatile, making it an excellent companion to a lamb burger. With a critic score of 95 points and a price of just USD 14, it achieves a stellar value ranking of 6.78.
2. 2020 Zorzal Gran Terroir Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 5.41
The 2020 Zorzal Gran Terroir Pinot Noir from Mendoza, Argentina, secures the second spot. Known for its minimal-intervention approach, this wine, produced by the Michelini brothers, boasts a critic score of 92 points and a price of USD 17, resulting in a value ranking of 5.41.
3. 2023 Bodega Garzon Reserve Pinot Noir Rosé - Value Factor: 5.11
The only rosé on the list, the 2023 Bodega Garzon Reserve Pinot Noir Rosé from Uruguay’s Maldonado region, comes in third. With a critic score of 92 points and a price of USD 18, this wine, from the award-winning Bodega Garzón, achieves a value ranking of 5.11.
4. 2021 Paul O'Brien Oregon Territory Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 4.89
In fourth place is the 2021 Paul O'Brien Oregon Territory Pinot Noir. As Oregon's first urban winery, Paul O'Brien Winery has made its mark with a critic score of 93 points and a price of USD 19, yielding a value ranking of 4.89.
5. 2020 Clos des Fous Subsollum Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 4.84
The 2020 Clos des Fous Subsollum Pinot Noir from Chile takes fifth place. This wine, known for its fresh and aromatic character, scores 92 points with critics and is priced at USD 19, resulting in a value ranking of 4.84.
6. 2020 Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County-Sonoma County Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 4.65
The sixth spot goes to the 2020 Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County-Sonoma County Pinot Noir. Specializing in Californian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this wine has a critic score of 93 points and a price of USD 20, leading to a value ranking of 4.65.
7. 2021 Roots Run Deep Winery Educated Guess Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 4.22
Seventh place is held by the 2021 Roots Run Deep Winery Educated Guess Pinot Noir. Known for its affordable yet high-quality wines, this Napa Valley wine scores 93 points with critics and is priced at USD 22, resulting in a value ranking of 4.22.
8. 2022 Laberinto Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 4.08
The 2022 Laberinto Pinot Noir from Chile’s Maule Valley secures the eighth position. With a bright, aromatic profile, this wine has a critic score of 94 points and a price of USD 23, achieving a value ranking of 4.08.
9. 2021 Scar of the Sea Vinos de los Ranchos Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 2.90
In ninth place is the 2021 Scar of the Sea Vinos de los Ranchos Pinot Noir from California. With a focus on indigenous yeasts and coastal influences, this wine scores 93 points and costs USD 32, yielding a value ranking of 2.90.
10. 2020 Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir - Value Factor: 2.68
Rounding out the list is the 2020 Settlement Vineyard Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Marlborough region. Known for its organic fruit and age-worthy character, this wine scores 94 points and is priced at USD 35, resulting in a value ranking of 2.68.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding great value Pinot Noir, it's clear that the New World regions are leading the way. Forget Burgundy and Europe; the best value Pinot Noirs can be found in regions like California, Oregon, Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand. These wines offer exceptional quality at accessible prices, proving that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a superb bottle of Pinot Noir.
Source: Wine-Searcher