California and Oregon Pinot Noir Study ft. Lingua Franca, Belle Glos & More!

Red berries and cranberry mingle with Chinese five-spice, nutmeg, cinnamon and cardamom in this aromatic Russian River Pinot Noir. French oak adds a measured vanilla accent to its luscious, balanced fruit.

Black cherry and leather lead this estate-grown Green Valley Pinot Noir, with damp-earth nuances and tobacco on the finish. Pommard and three Dijon clones shape a full-flavored wine bottled without filtration.

Benham Cilek's 2023 Les Cent is a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The producer was founded by Carson Benham and Henry Cilek, former college roommates who teamed up in 2018 after developing a shared interest in wine.

92pt - Wine Enthusiast. Strawberry-rhubarb and cherry-pie notes meet spiced orange, dried rose and sage. Toasted oak, smoke and clove carry into an earthy finish marked by forest floor, mushrooms and a mineral note.

94pt - Tasting Panel. Black cherry and milk chocolate fill a dense palate, lifted by bright acidity, thyme and candied violet. Blackberry and raspberry flavors meet baking spice, refined tannins and a mouthwatering finish.

93pt - Decanter. Violet, cherry and wild strawberry aromas mingle with cedar and warm-earth nuances. Bright acidity and structured tannins frame a polished mid-palate, balancing the fruit with freshness and depth.

Terlato Family's 2021 Pinot Noir comes from California's Russian River Valley appellation. The Terlato family spans four generations in wine, becoming producers with the purchase of Rutherford Hill in 1996.

Breggo's 2023 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from Anderson Valley. Founded in 2005, the producer focuses on vineyard-designated wines; its name means sheep in Boontling, a nod to the valley's farming history.

Pont Neuf's 2021 La Vouge is a Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California. The 750ml bottling is listed at 14.5% alcohol and carries the La Vouge name within the producer's Pinot Noir range.

96pt - International Wine Report. Red and black cherry mingle with dried mint, pine, sage and rose, accented by blood orange. Silky tannins and lively acidity carry a racy palate into a bright, mineral-toned finish.

Currant, plum and black tea combine in this mature Pinot Noir, with aromas of black cherry, flowers and a trace of vanilla. Black raspberry and boysenberry fill the palate, framed by sleek tannins and a touch of toasted oak.

95pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Rose, mineral salt and cardamom aromas lead into plum, black cherry, lemon peel and black tea. Savory herbs add detail to a fresh, succulent palate with a richly woven texture and a long, savory finish.

Dense blueberry compote and black cherry flavors meet anise, savory rosemary and hints of cured meat. Bold and firmly gripped by tannins, this Pinot Noir unfolds with sleek, pure fruit that lingers as the palate develops.

Earthy forest and mushroom flavors give this Anderson Valley Pinot Noir a rustic character, with touches of ripe olive and graham cracker. Smooth acidity and balanced tannins carry a hint of black tea into the finish.

93pt - Owen Bargreen. Sassafras, orange peel and ripe strawberry aromas mark this Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Soft and elegant, its smooth mouthfeel retains lively tension, with salty minerals completing the palate.

Cherry and raspberry aromas mingle with allspice, mocha and Douglas fir tips. Baked strawberry tart and spice unfold across a rich, seamless palate, supported by fine tannins and refreshing acidity in this Dundee Hills Pinot.

96pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Mulberry, strawberry and floral incense rise from this perfumed Pinot Noir. Medium to full in body, it pairs a pure, elegant mouthfeel with fine-grained, gently savory tannins and a silky, long finish.

94pt - Wine Enthusiast. Rose petals, wild strawberry, raspberry and Bing cherry meet pomegranate, baking spice and forest floor. Red fruit and spice unfold on the palate, framed by vibrant acidity and chalky tannins.

Wild strawberry, cherry and lavender aromas open this bold yet elegant Carneros Pinot Noir. A silky mid-palate carries polished brambleberry, blueberry and macerated strawberry flavors, balanced by bright, complementary acidity.

93.5pt - Ken's Wine Guide. Blueberry and black raspberry meet orange peel, cola and violet aromas. A smooth, medium-bodied palate layers spiced plum, oolong tea, mint and pepper, finishing dry with lingering, dusty tannins.

Fresh blackberry, blueberry, ripe plum and cassis aromas mingle with rich oak. Bright acidity and rich tannins support a silky texture, while extended bottle aging brings brown spice and earth tones to this structured Pinot.

97pt - Wine Enthusiast. Poached Bing cherry and strawberry cream aromas meet slate and integrated oak. Lush red fruit and baking spice fill a palate shaped by chiseled tannins and crisp acidity, balancing richness with freshness.

93pt - Vinous. Refined red berry, briar and forest-floor aromas mingle with well-integrated oak. The palate opens with a sweet-and-sour fruit contrast, carried by chalky tannins that lend a slightly bitter edge to the finish.