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Wines of the Week: Pleasing Pinot - Under $20, 90 Points

There's just something special about a well-crafted Pinot Noir. While many of them require one to pay top dollar, we'd found a few that deliver a lovely character for $20 or less. So scoff that those higher priced bottles and enjoy these bottles, even on a budget.

Click on labels to enlarge

Bread & Butter 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery: Bread & Butter
Grape(s):
100% Pinot Noir
Region: California
Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
10-15

Review:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and blueberries mingle among expressions of herbs, caramel, and spice on the nose. Lots of dark fruit is revealed on the palate, as black cherry, blueberry, and plum are backed up by nuances of cedar, cola, and herbs. Offering supple tannins and lush fruit, it's a nice Pinot for the price if you like a ripe style.
Rating: 90

Z. Alexander Brown 2015 Pinot Noir
Winery: Z. Alexander Brown
Grape(s):
100% Pinot Noir
Region: California

Year:
2015

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
One is greeted by waves of strawberries, plums, and cherries that are accented by expressions of clove, cola, and chocolate. The palate takes shape with flavors of cherry, plum, and raspberry moving into suggestions of brown spice, cola, and dark chocolate. Supple but with a nice acidity, this Pinot will do well when paired with a wild mushroom risotto.
Rating: 90

Talbott "Kali Hart" 2016 Pinot Noir
Winery: Talbott
Grape(s):
100% Pinot Noir
Region: Monterey County, California

Year: 2016

Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification: n/a
Price:
15-20

Review:
Aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries mingle among allusions of toasty vanilla, cola, and bacon on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of raspberry, red plum, and strawberry that flow towards elements of vanilla, brown spice, and earth. With a light bodied and fresh acidity, grilled chicken breasts would pair nicely.
Rating: 90

By Jason Barlow

Other Related Links:

Ratings Key:
96 — 100
Spectacular
92 — 95
Outstanding
89 — 91
Great
85 — 88
Good
81 — 84
Solid

*Wines rated with a "+" need a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will do so over the coming years

 

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