California Pinot Noir: our top picks to buy in 2026
California Pinot Noir is a prestigious red wine produced in coastal Sonoma and the Russian River Valley. We assessed bottles from the top producers , rating each bottle on a 5 point scale. Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2019 by Belle Glos (5/5, ~$300+) is our outstanding California Pinot Noir this year.
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What are the best California Pinot Noir wines?
Taylor Lane Pinot Noir – Belle Glos 2019
Sonoma Coast, California
Taylor Lane Pinot Noir – Belle Glos 2014
Sonoma Coast, California
Pinot Noir – Kosta Browne Winery 2019
Russian River Valley, California
Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir – Kosta Browne Winery 2020
Mendocino, California
The Traveler Pinot Noir – Wayfarer 2023
Sonoma Coast, California
Corinne Cuvée Pinot Noir – Moone-Tsai 2022
St. Rita Hills, California
George Menini Estate Pinot Noir – Paul Hobbs 2023
Russian River Valley, California
Pinot Noir Bien Nacido – Foxen 2020
Santa Barbara, California
Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir – Bernardus 2021
Central Coast, California
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – Patz & Hall 2021
Sonoma Coast, California
This is our list of the best California Pinot Noir wines in 2026, handpicked by our editorial team based on critics scores and our knowledge of what goes into quality winemaking. To reflect a range of tastes, we included bottles from Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Mendocino, including premium Belle Glos Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2019 (5/5, ~$300) and accessible Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 by Patz & Hall (4.6/5, ~$40).
California Pinot Noir tasting notes and profile
California Pinot Noir tastes like strawberry, cranberry and cherry, with spice and floral accents. It is generally bolder and more opulent than its European counterparts, although wines from coastal regions deliver bright acidity and high minerality (just like Burgundy Pinot Noir!). Pinot Noir from inland areas, on the other hand, displays the typical ripe and fruit forward notes, vividly reflecting California’s unique terroir.
| California Pinot Noir | Details |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Burgundy, France, thrives today in Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Santa Barbara (California) |
| Serving Temperature | 55°F-60°F (13°C-16°C) |
| Decanting | Briefly for 15-30 minutes |
| Aging Potential | 5-10+ years |
| Flavor Profile | Black cherry, strawberry, raspberry, plum, clove, vanilla |
| Structure | Light to medium bodied, high acidity, soft tannins |
| Alcohol Content | 13%-14.5% |
| Ideal Glass | Burgundy style glass |
| Food Pairing | BBQ pork ribs, truffle pasta, roast duck, soft cheeses |
| Top Communes | Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Anderson Valley |
| Notable Producers | Kosta Browne, Williams-Selyem, Belle Glos, Foxen Vineyards, Paul Hobbs |
Quick facts about California Pinot Noir:
- Its flavour profile displays intense flavors of ripe red berries, black cherries and secondary notes of vanilla and baking spices due to oak influence.
- California Pinot Noir’s structure is typically light to medium bodied, with velvety tannins and vibrant acidity.
- Most California Pinot Noir is best enjoyed young, but premium bottles are cellar worthy, aging for 5-10+ years to reveal tertiary tea leaf, dried fruit and leather flavors.
- Decanting briefly for 15 to 30 minutes is enough to open up nuanced aromas.
Did you know? Sommeliers say California Pinot Noir from cool climate regions like Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley is best for aging!
Notable California Pinot Noir brands
Notable California Pinot Noir brands include Belle Glos, Williams Selyem and Kosta Browne, whose 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was selected as Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2011. “New World” producers make Pinot Noir in a range of styles, with cooler, coastal areas yielding wines with higher acidity, while warmer regions like the Russian River Valley produce Pinot Noir that is more full bodied. Here are three wines from three standout producers from our top California Pinot Noir brands, including some of the best options in Sonoma:
The best French Pinot Noir brands by region include:
- Burgundy: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Roumier, Domaine Méo-Camuzet, Domaine Leroy, Domaine Dujac
- Alsace: Mélanie Pfister, Albert Mann
- Loire: Alphonse Mellot
- Champagne: J-M Sélèque (producing still Pinot Noir)
Here are three premium French Pinot Noir brands and their best bottles:
Kosta Browne Winery – California, US
The Kosta Browne journey began in 1997 when founders Dan Kosta and Michael Browne produced their first wines: 24 cases of Pinot Noir made with a hand cranked de stemmer. Growing steadily over the years, they crafted innovative wines from grapes in vineyards in Sonoma, Russian River Valley and Sta. Rita Hills. This commitment to quality paid off in 2011, when Wine Spectator named the 2009 Pinot Noir vintage the “Wine Spectator 2011 Wine of the Year.” This cemented their place as a premium producer of Californian Pinot Noir, thus achieving cult status. Below, you will find two of our 5/5 Pinot Noirs from Kosta Browne winery.
Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2023 – Kosta Browne Winery – California, US
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022 – Kosta Browne Winery – California, US
Williams-Selyem Winery – California, US
In 1979, Burt and Ed Williams first decided to try backyard winemaking as a hobby after being gifted a few tons of grapes. It didn’t take long to release their first commercial Pinot Noir vintage in 1983, a wine labeled “Hacienda del Rio”, which was changed to “Williams Selyem” a year later. Their dedication to sourcing high quality fruit and traditional winemaking methods contributed to their quick rise into an internationally acclaimed winery. They emphasized vineyard designated wines (like Rochioli and Westside Road) and placed the Russian River Valley on the map for world class Pinot Noir. Today, although the winery is led by Jeff Mangahas, their reputation for highly sought after Pinot Noir continues.
Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir 2023 – Williams-Selyem – California, US
Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2023 – Williams- Selyem – California, US
Belle Glos – California, US
Established in 2001 by Joseph Wagner and named after his grandmother, Belle Glos is known for distinctive Pinot Noirs from the top California wine regions. The winery’s holdings includes four coastal vineyards, namely Dairyman, Clark & Telephone, Las Alturas and Taylor Lane, each one producing the purest and most unique expressions of California Pinot Noir. The brand focuses on emphasizing terroir, using techniques like dry ice to craft their signature rich, deep colored Pinot Noir. Recognizable by a wax seal, Belle Glos wines consistently receive high praise from major wine publications, including a 96 point rating from Wine Enthusiast for the 2023 Las Alturas Pinot Noir. Have a look at two of our top rated Belle Glos Pinot Noir wines below:
Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 – Belle Glos – California, US
Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 – Belle Glos – California, US
Best rated Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley is a warmer sub region within the larger Sonoma Coast AVA with significant diurnal variations that promote slow ripening of the grapes. The unique foggy climate and well drained Goldridge soils in the region yield Pinots marked by bright acidity, soft tannins and fruit notes. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir has a silky, smooth profile, often richer and fuller bodied than Sonoma Coast Pinots. These wines span a wide price range from $40-$200 and they are best enjoyed with light poultry dishes, soft cheeses, or a pasta bolognese.
- AVA established: 1983
- Vineyard acres: 16,000 acres
- Elevation: 130-160 ft
- Growing season: 215 days
- Avg. temperature: 60°F (15°C)
- Top vintages: 2016, 2019, 2023
Here are two of our top picks of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir:
Zio Tony Ranch Pinot Noir 2022 – Martinelli Winery & Vineyards – California, US
Russian River Pinot Noir 2022 – La Crema – California, US
Elegant Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs to try
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is elegant and silky, produced in the expansive Sonoma Coast AVA. The wines are influenced by the extreme coastal weather of the region as well as the fog and cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean. It is the Californian Pinot Noir most similar to red Burgundy, with its vibrant acidity and bright red fruit flavors. Compared to Russian River Pinot Noir, wines from Sonoma are leaner, with higher acidity and fine tannins. Sonoma Pinot Noirs are ideally paired with grilled salmon and light, spiced dishes, generally costing between $50-$150.
- AVA established: 1987
- Vineyard acres: 11,452 acres
- Elevation: 400-1800ft
- Growing season: 264 days
- Avg. temperature: 56°F (13°C)
- Top vintages: 2019, 2021, 2023
Here are two superb Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir wines we have tasted and we recommend, both rated 5/5 and 4.9/5, respectively.
Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 – Three Sticks – California, US
West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 – Peay Vineyards – California, US
What pairs well with California Pinot Noir?
Roast turkey, stewed chicken, grilled fish and mushroom dishes pair best with California Pinot Noir, complementing its fruit forward profile and silky tannins. Incorporating herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage and parsley into your food pairings enhances the wine’s natural earthiness, subtle spice and red fruit notes. Some of our top food pairing recommendations for California Pinot Noir are:
- Poultry and light meats: coq au vin, beef bourguignon, filet mignon
- Seafood: lobster with butter sauce, baked fish, grilled salmon
- Creamy cheeses like Brie, Gruyère, Gouda and Fontina.
Match food and wines from the existing 10 wines named in the top 10 ranking.
| California Pinot Noir Food Pairing | Best California Pinot Noir | Rating | Aged | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roasted duck with cherry glaze, coq au vin, chicken marsala, chicken chasseur | Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2019 – Belle Glos – Sonoma Coast, California, US | 5/5 | 1-2 years | Its rich fruit forward flavors and concentrated spicy notes make it suitable for hearty and savory poultry dishes. |
| Pan seared Salmon with herb crust, lobster with butter sauce, Mediterranean style baked fish | Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2014 – Belle Glos – Sonoma Coast, California, US | 5/5 | 2-3 years | Its bright acidity and dark fruit notes require pairings that match its intensity, such as these rich seafood dishes. |
| Mushroom risotto, wild mushroom pasta, French mushroom tart | Pinot Noir 2019 – Kosta Browne Winery – Russian River Valley, California, US | 4.9/5 | 2-3 years | This opulent and fruit forward California Pinot Noir works best with savory dishes that complement its nuanced, complex profile. |
| Brie, Fontina, Gouda, Gruyère | Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020 – Kosta Browne Winery – Mendocino, California, US | 4.9/5 | 1-2 years | Its zesty acidity and mineral aromas pair best with creamy cheeses that soften it. |
| Charcuterie, pâté, pizza with mushroom toppings, gnocchi with sage, prosciutto di Parma, | The Traveler Pinot Noir 2023 – Wayfarer – Sonoma Coast, California, US | 4.8/5 | 1-2 years | Its refined, creamy tannins and earthy aromas work best with savory and earthy dishes that highlight its natural ingredients. |
| Beef Bourguignon, steak tartare, hoisin glazed pork | Corinne Cuvée Pinot Noir 2022 – Moone-Tsai – Sta. Rita Hills, California, US | 4.8/5 | 2-3 years | This savory and elegant Pinot Noir pairs well with rich, savory red meats and pork dishes that highlight its bright acidity and silky tannins. |
What is California Pinot Noir and how is it made?
- California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir is a red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape, a variety that is originally from Burgundy in France but which has found some of its finest expressions in California’s unique microclimates.
How is California Pinot Noir made?
- Harvesting is done by hand, with winemakers picking the ripe grapes and sorting carefully to remove any damaged fruit.
- The berries are then crushed and destemmed to achieve a smoother flavor profile without harsh, vegetal notes. Sometimes, producers leave a small percentage (25%-30%) of whole clusters to achieve lower acidity and increased tannins in their wines.
- Cold soaking allows the gentle extraction of flavors and pigments from the thin skinned grapes, which are kept cold (~50°F) for 3-21 days before fermentation.
- Primary fermentation involves the use of wild yeasts that impart savory aromas, or cultivated yeasts for more specific flavors. Winemakers ferment Pinot Noir in open top vats that allow increased oxygen contact and easy access for punching down the cap.
- Malolactic fermentation is induced towards the end of primary fermentation. This process uses special bacteria to convert the malic acid in the wine to lactic acid, softening it and promoting the development of complex flavors.
- Oak aging bestows a velvety texture to the wine, as well as flavors of baking spice, sweet buttercream and roasted caramel and toffee.
- Fining agents are added to the final wine to clarify it and remove suspended particles before bottling. Filtration to control microbial growth in Pinot Noir is optional and most winemakers opt out of doing it because it may strip the wine’s “soul” away.
California Pinot Noir is special because of these methods that are aimed at crafting a wine with balanced red fruit flavors, earthy notes and high alcohol that reflect the region’s sunny terroir and coastal influence, compared to traditional styles from Bourgogne.
How does California Pinot Noir differ by region?
California Pinot Noir is special for its blend of ripe red fruit forward flavors and velvety structure. The terroir’s microclimate is one of a kind. Warm sunny days promote ripeness and cooling coastal fog from the Pacific Ocean that preserves acidity. The result is a Mediterranean climate that slows down grape ripening, leading to a delicate balance of high sugar levels with vibrant acidity. This balanced flavor profile sets California Pinot Noir apart from Burgundy Pinot Noir and bottlings from warmer New World regions like Australia. Each AVA in California produces unique expressions of the grape and we have summarized the differences in the table below:
| Factors | Russian River Valley | Sonoma Coast | Santa Rita Hills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Rich, plush, dark fruit |
Elegant, mineral, Burgundian |
Silky, refined, fresh acidity |
| Body | Medium to full |
Medium | Medium |
| Tannins | Soft, velvety |
Fine, firm |
Firm, structured |
| Acidity | Moderate | High | High |
| Flavor profile | Black cherry, cola, vanilla | Red fruit, minerality, stone | Cranberry, citrus, herbs |
| ABV | 13.5-14.5% | 13-14% | 13-14% |
| Aging | 5-10 years | 8-15 years | 8-12 years |
| Price range | $40-$200 | $50-$150 | $40-$100 |
| Top producer | Williams Selyem | Belle Glos | Moone-Tsai |
| Best for | Bold fruit lovers | “Old World” style seekers | High acidity, food pairing |
Key differences between French and New World Pinot Noirs:
- Climate and Terroir: the cool climate and limestone soils in Burgundy create distinct wines while Pinot Noir from warmer regions like California and New Zealand is riper and fruitier.
- Flavour: French Pinot Noir shows bright red fruit, forest floor and mushroom flavors. New World wines, on the other hand, feature bolder red fruits with sweet oak influence.
- Structure: French Pinot Noir is lighter bodied with refined tannins, whereas the New World versions are lush and fuller bodied.
How we rate California Pinot Noir
We rate California Pinot Noirs using a 5 point scale, assessing how each wine performs when we see, sip, swirl, sniff and savor. Before any wine recommendation makes it here, our editorial team blind tastes scores of wines to determine the best ones without bias. We have visited the wineries and watched the winemaking process and to us, quality is the most important factor. Each bottle is scored based on a 50 point system to start with, before the scores are condensed into the simple 5 point rating you see below:
Rating Scale (1-5):
- 5 = Exceptional
- 4 = Excellent
- 3 = Very Good
- 2 = Good
- 1 = Fair
Our scoring criteria include:
- Appearance (up to 5 pts): clarity, color, brightness
- Aroma & Bouquet (up to 15 pts): intensity, complexity, absence of flaws
- Flavor & Palate (up to 20 pts): balance of acidity, tannin, alcohol; depth, mouthfeel
- Overall Impression (up to 10 pts): harmony, complexity, typicity, finish, aging potential
Any wine that we rate between 4 and 5 points is truly impressive, while mediocre wines are scored between 1 and 2 points.
California Pinot Noir is unique and we consider the following key factors:
- Taste profile: we look for ripe, intense fruit flavors layered with secondary notes of violet and rose, unlike the subtle minerality of Old World styles.
- Structure: tannins should be silky and well integrated and there should be bright acidity that provides freshness.
- Overall balance: our ultimate goal is to find a harmonious blend of alcohol, oak notes and ripe fruit flavors, with no overpowering tones.
To ensure that our scores remain fair across price points, we compare French Pinot Noir bottles only against those in their Burgundy classification. Bourgogne Rouge wines are stacked against similar bottlings, Premier Cru is judged against other first growth vineyards and Grand Cru rated against the finest classified sites.
Kindly note: we understand that wine tasting is subjective and we assign scores based on the personal preferences, palate and taste of our panel. We advise that you always read our tasting notes to help you find wines that perfectly suit your preferences!
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FAQs on California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir is not an expensive wine when compared to the Premier Cru and Grand Cru Red Burgundies. Being a finicky plant that requires careful attention while growing, the wines may command steep prices. However, you can find outstanding bottles in the $50 range, such as Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021. Premium wines like Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2019 by Belle Glos (~$300) are also worth buying for a taste of complexity and terroir expression.
Is Pinot Noir only from California?
No, Pinot Noir is not only from California. Although California is a significant producer of wine in areas like Sonoma County and the Central Coast, Pinot Noir is actually native to Burgundy in eastern France. In addition to France and California, Pinot Noir is also grown in cool climate regions such as Willamette Valley (Oregon), New Zealand and Germany.
What is the best California Pinot Noir?
The best California Pinot Noirs of 2026 include Belle Glos Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2019, Belle Glos Taylor Lane Pinot Noir 2014 and Pinot Noir 2019 by Kosta Browne Winery. These wines made it to our top ten list due to their premium quality, 90+ critic ratings and positive feedback from wine lovers just like you! Check out “What are the best California Pinot Noir wines” for our full selection.
Is Pinot Noir a California wine?
Yes, Pinot Noir is a high quality grape variety grown in California. It is majorly cultivated in cool climate, coastal regions like Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Monterey and Santa Barbara. Although the grape is historically from Burgundy (France), California serves as a respected producer of both premium and accessible Pinot Noir wines.
What is the difference between California and French Pinot Noir?
California Pinot Noir offers a fuller bodied, riper and more fruit forward profile compared to French versions. The warmer climate in California provides lower acidity and higher alcohol wines with bold red fruit flavors, while France’s cooler weather yields high acidity and more mineral, terroir driven Pinot Noirs. Although this is the general trend, Pinot Noir from Sonoma and Santa Barbara is high in acidity, very similar to Bourgogne Pinot Noir.
Is Pinot Noir good in California?
Yes, Pinot Noir is good in California. The Golden State produces some of the world’s finest expressions from coastal regions like Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Sta. Rita Hills. The best regions are defined by their cooling breezes and fog, giving rise to elegant and structured wines. Wine Spectator and other wine critics have rated California Pinot Noirs 90+ points for their exceptional quality.
Is California Pinot Noir sweet or dry?
California Pinot Noir is typically a dry red wine, due to the fact that it contains very little to no residual sugar after fermentation. Although it features ripe fruit flavors that sometimes give a perception of sweetness, it is fermented dry. The alcohol by volume ranges from 13.5% to 15%, slightly higher than French Pinot Noir due to warmer ripening conditions in California.
Is Russian River Pinot Noir better than Sonoma Coast?
Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noirs are both of exceptional quality, with flavor profiles that cater to different tastes rather than one being objectively better than the other. Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley is typically riper and fuller bodied, while Sonoma Coast offers more aromatic and higher acidity wines.