Ahh… Pinot Noir… what should it taste like? Is there a Platonic ideal to strive for? I think Oz Clarke says it best, as always, in answering the questions:

“Is it pale, ethereal, with a scent as sweet and wistful as half-forgotten childhood summer memories hovering over the glass? Is it sensual or heady, swirling with the intoxicating excitement of the super-ripe cherries and strawberries and blackberries of the gardens of Paradise? Is it muscular, glowering, dark as blood, bitter sweet as black cherries and licorice and yet even within this brutish cave, invaded with an insidious, exotic scent?”

Of course, the answer is “Yes!” to all of these, and more. No other grape in the world resists categorization and classification so much. We can say “Napa Cab”, and you know what you are getting. Sure, each winery has its subtle differences, but you KNOW what you are getting. But say “California Pinot” and the array is endless. Is it the sweet cherry cola vibe from the Russian River? The crisp tartness of the true Sonoma Coast? Again, “California Pinot” is all of this and more.

Again, let’s turn to Mr. Clarke for advice: “Stop arguing as to whether it tastes like it should. There’s no ‘should’ with Pinot. Get it down you, and if it makes you smile, it’s good.”

Well said! So today I am offering you two great Pinots which, bought together, are at the US Best Price! Both California… both “Coastal” but different. But both delicious! Check them out, then load on up!

Birichino Pinot Noir St. Georges (Central Coast) 2018

Mix a case and pay just $17.99 - Beats Best US Price Online
Mix six or more and pay $18.99  
All Else Sale $19.89 – And Still Beats Best US Price Online

91 pts Wine & Spirits / 90 pts Vinous

The best way I can think of to describe this is “light and crunchy”… meaning the fruit is so fresh and crisp, like straight off the tree, or bush, and just popping in your mouth. Rich says it tastes like Oregon Pinot used to taste… 20 years ago. If you’re old like us, then you know what he means! But don’t mistake light for thin… oh  no, this baby is packed to the brim with flavor. Scents of botanical extracts, mountain herbs and cherry liqueur open into flavors of blood oranges and cherries, with a long finish and a lingering hint of white pepper.  The wine is aged 1 year in cement tanks and very old barrels, so there is zero oak influence on the wine.

"Composed mostly from older vines at Besson, near Gilroy, this is sappy and bright, with scents of turf and strawberry and a bit of orange zest to brighten the edges. The flavors are light and crunchy, coastal through and through; for roast trout." W&S

“Light, bright red. Primary red berry and cherry scents show fine definition and a hint of blood orange emerges as the wine opens up. Taut and sharply focused, offering spice-laced redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a spicy jolt of white pepper. Finishes long, tangy and precise, with subtle tannins and a resonating red fruit note.” Vinous

Routestock Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) 2018

Mix a case and pay just $17.99 - Best US Price Online
Mix six or more and pay $18.99
All Else Sale $19.99

91 pts Wine Spectator / 90 pts Wine Enthusiast

Flip the coin and here ya’ go! Aged in 100% French oak for a total of 10 months. 10% of the barrels were new.  So you can feel and taste the oak influence, although the wine is certainly not “oaky”. Classic Sonoma Coast aromas of strawberry and mushrooms jump from the glass leading into an explosion of raspberry and cherry along with earthy notes. The oak used provides the bridge, weaving together the savory and sweet characteristics, providing a silky texture with just the right amount of crispness on the finish that draws you back for another sip.

“Svelte, with a crisp, minerally composure to the well-structured dried raspberry and berry flavors. The finish offers notes of forest floor and floral accents. Drink now through 2024. “ WS

“A wealth of savory earthiness is met by layers of balanced black cherry, wood and sage in this well-made, attractively priced wine. The oak and tannin are well mannered and integrated, allowing room for the acidity and subtle baking spice to linger.” WE


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.