Pinot Noir bottles not to miss in 2026
Pinot Noir is an elegant red wine with bright acidity, silky tannins and earthy flavors. We blind tasted over 10+ bottles from Burgundy and the US, California and Oregon, from $50 entry level to Grand Cru collectibles, scoring them over 5. Our top pick: Louis Latour Chambertin Grand Cru 2022, top rated at 5/5 as one of the finest expressions of Burgundy.
Table of Contents
Best Pinot Noir wine to buy online
Chambertin Cuvee Heritiers Grand Cru – Louis Latour 2022
France
Clos Vougeot Grand Cru – Ponsot 2015
France
Gevrey-Chambertin En Ergot Premier Cru – Domaine Trapet Père et Fils 2022
Burgundy, France
Vosne-Romanee Les Hautes Maizieres Vieilles Vignes – Domaine Bruno Clavelier 2022
Burgundy, France
Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir (1.5 Liter) – Merry Edwards 2018
California, US
Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir – Bodega Chacra 2022
Argentina
Martaella Vineyard Pinot Noir – Maritana Vineyards 2020
California, US
Pinot Noir – Tolpuddle Vineyard 2023
Australia
Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir – Domaine Serene 2022
Oregon, US
Bourgogne Epineuil Les Fauconniers – Roland Lavantureux 2022
France
Our 10 best Pinot Noir wines range from Chambertin Cuvée Héritiers Grand Cru 2022 by Louis Latour (5/5, ~$780) to Roland Lavantureux’s Bourgogne Epineuil Les Fauconniers 2022 (4.6/5, $50). The selection includes Burgundy Grand Cru and Premier Cru, California single vineyard and Oregon AVA bottles. All wines were tasted by our panel and cross referenced with leading Pinot Noir reviews from renowned critics.
What does Pinot Noir taste like?
The name “Pinot Noir” refers to both the wine and the grape. High acidity, low tannins and light to medium body define its structure, while climate, winemaking and bottle aging shape its taste in the glass.
Here’s the Pinot Noir taste profile at a glance:
| Pinot Noir Wine | Details |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Burgundy (France), Trentino and Piedmont (Italy), California and Oregon (USA), Baden (Germany) and Central Otago (New Zealand) |
| Serving Temperature | 55-60°F (13-16°C) |
| Decanting | 30 minutes enhances aromatics in younger wines; at least 1 to 2 hours are needed for aged bottles |
| Aging Potential | 5 to 15 years (some Burgundies can age longer) |
| Flavor Profile | Red cherry, raspberry, cranberry, rose petal, mushroom, forest floor |
| Structure | Light to medium-bodied, silky tannins, vibrant acidity |
| Alcohol Content | 12.5% to 14.5% |
| Ideal Glass | Large Burgundy glass to enhance aroma complexity |
| Food Pairing | Roast duck, salmon, cod, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses |
| Top Regions | Côte d’Or, Willamette Valley, Central Otago, Sonoma Coast |
| Notable Producers | Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Dujac, Kosta Browne, Felton Road |
Quick facts about Pinot Noir
- Its flavor profile boasts a harmonious blend of red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, as well as earthy tones suggestive of mushrooms and forest floor.
- Its structure is that of a light to medium bodied wine, with silky tannins and bright acidity.
- Pinot Noir’s aging potential ranges from 5 to 15 years, although some Burgundies can age longer.
- We recommend decanting young Pinot Noir for about 30 minutes and aged bottles for 1 to 2 hours.
Did you know? Pinot Noir is the backbone of most sparkling wines, particularly Champagne! It improves the aging potential and provides structure to most bubbly wines.
What are the world’s best Pinot Noir brands ?
The best Pinot Noir often comes from top wineries located in Burgundy (France), California (US) and New Zealand. Pinot Noir producers frequently appear on global selections like Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list and score 90+ points from James Suckling.
The best Pinot Noir brands include:
- France: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy and Domaine Dujac
- USA: Kosta Browne, Williams Selyem and Marcassin
- New Zealand: Felton Road
- France/Oregon: Joseph Drouhin
Notable premium Pinot Noir producers from other regions include names such as Bass Phillip (Australia) and Friedrich Becker (internationally awarded Spätburgunder producer).
French Pinot Noir is typically crafted in the “Old World” style, with an emphasis on finesse and balance. California Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a “New World” wine which may be full bodied or vibrantly acidic, depending on the terroir.
How much does Pinot Noir cost?
Pinot Noir wines span a wide price range, typically starting around $25 and reaching $1000+ for 5/5 top rated bottles. This is one of the widest price ranges for any red wine.
Beyond Pinot Noir difficulty to grow, several other factors influence price:
- Vineyard classification: Grand Cru operates under strict yield limits (only ~ 400 hectares in Burgundy) as well as legally defined vineyard boundaries; this results in producing fewer but more concentrated grapes. Romanée-Conti, for instance, produces only ~6,000 bottles annually. Regional Bourgogne follows looser rules while single-vineyard AVAs in California (Hirsch, Pisoni) fall somewhere between as quality depends on the producers not on the regulations.
- Winemaker reputation: producers’ names drive prices up more than terroirs in some instances. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti starts usually at $1,000, while neighboring estates like Vosne-Romanée sell similar terroirs for only $100.
- Vintage: warm and dry years (2005, 2015, 2019) delivered age worthy structure for Burgundy, while weaker vintages (2004, 2013) drop in price even from best estates. Weather conditions fully dictate Pinot Noir quality.
- Winemaking methods: the use of natural yeasts, oak aging and hand harvesting all add costs. Also, chemical free farming and biodynamic certifications further increase prices.
The Pinot Noir wine price tiers can be split into:
- Under $50: Rex Hill’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir serves as a solid entry point
- $100-$500: Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors
- $500-$1000: Roumier Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, you’re now in collector territory!
Expect to pay more for top names like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy) or Kosta Browne (Sonoma).
Why is Pinot Noir more expensive than most wines?
Its fragile skins make it vulnerable to sun damage and more prone to disease. Pinot Noir grapes take longer to ripen, requiring constant attention in the vineyard throughout the growing season, unlike tougher varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Fewer grapes generally survive the harvest and prices reflect it.
See below our selection of recommended Pinot Noir bottles by price range:
1. Entry Level Pinot Noir: Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – Rex Hill 2021 – Oregon, US
2. Value Pinot Noir: Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir – William Selyem 2023 – California, US
3. Mid Tier Pinot Noir: Chambolle-Musigny Les Combottes Premier Cru – Domaine Georges & Christopher Roumier 2020 – France
4. Premium Pinot Noir: Richebourg Grand Cru – Domaine Jean Grivot 2003 – Burgundy, France
Fun fact: wine growers call Pinot Noir the “heartbreak grape” because of how difficult it is to cultivate. Its thin skin makes it highly susceptible to rot and disease. It bruises easily, ripens early, hates temperature swings and is notoriously hard to grow, yet it produces some of the world’s most elegant wines.
Some exceptional Pinot Noir bottles are collectible, produced by historic estates in Burgundy and Russian River Valley innovators in California. The finest Pinot Noirs have a record of performing excellently at auctions. One particularly record breaking bottle was the 1945 ageworthy vintage of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, which sold for $558,000 at a 2018 Sotheby’s auction. Explore our guide to the most expensive Pinot Noir bottles for collectors, tasted and scored personally by our expert team, to find some storied Pinot Noirs worth adding to your cellar.
How should you serve and store Pinot Noir wines?
- Keep the temperature at 55°F-60°F (13-16°C), ideal at 60°F (16°C)
- Don’t decant young Pinot Noir, serve it straight out of the bottle!
- Aged Pinot Noir, on the other hand, needs at least 1 to 3 hours of decanting.
- The right glass for drinking Pinot Noir is a large, bell shaped glass that emphasizes its nose.
- Be sure to store it in a cool dark place at 12-14°C (53-57°F).
- Drink your Pinot Noir within a day of opening to keep the flavors fresh.
- Once opened, re-cork the bottle and place it in the fridge for no more than 3 days for the best flavor.
What food pairs well with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir pairs well with earthy ingredients like mushrooms and truffles, poultry, fatty fish, light meat and soft cheeses. Its versatile nature, silky tannins and bright acidity complement luscious dishes without overwhelming the palate. To pair Pinot Noir with food effectively, you should have a basic knowledge of its structure, flavor profile and aging style. Its acidity cuts through rich fatty flavors, while the red fruit notes work well with savory dishes like:
- Poultry & game: roast duck, grilled turkey, duck confit, braised rabbit
- Seafood: grilled salmon, garlic butter cod, pickled herring
- Other: mushroom risotto, soft cheeses, charcuterie boards
Cooking salmon or spicy chicken? Pinot Noir is (usually) the answer! More pairing suggestions by bottle below:
| Pinot Noir Food Pairing | Best Pinot Noir Bottle | Rating | Aged | Type & Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet and spicy chicken, grilled turkey, duck confit, red wine braised rabbit | Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 – California, US | 5/5 | 1-3 years | Dry, red fruit, silky, fresh acid |
| Charcuterie boards, medium aged cheese, poached eggs, grilled asparagus, zucchini quiche | Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 – Domaine Serene – Oregon, US | 5/5 | 2-5 years | Soft acidity, firm tannins, full body |
| Ribeye steak, grilled lamb leg, venison, pork roast, Italian meatballs and bolognese fettuccini | Iris Pinot Noir 2018 – 1849 – California, US | 4.9/5 | 5-7 years | Crisp, bright, savory spices of red fruit and leaves. |
| Gruyere, Gouda, herb crusted pork loin, beef carpaccio | Côte de Beaune Knights Templar Cuvée 2018 – Chevalier de la Cree – France | 4.9/5 | 4-6 years | Balanced acidity, medium bodied, soft tannins, floral |
| Pasta alfredo, mushroom risotto, beef noodle casserole, Mexican lasagna, tacos | Chanson Père & Fils Beaune Bressandes Premier Cru 2021 – France | 4.8/5 | 2-5 years | Balanced, easy drinking, juicy |
| Grilled salmon, garlic butter cod, pickled herring | Estate Pinot Noir 2022 – Eyrie – Oregon, US | 4.8/5 | 2-5 years | Light bodied, vibrant acidity, fresh fruit and fine tannins |
What glasses should you use for Pinot Noir?
The Burgundy glass is the classic choice (and best option) to enjoy your Pinot Noir. The wide tulip shaped glass has a large bowl and tapered rim that helps the wine emphasize its delicate aromas and nuanced structure.
Why it works:
- Its wide bowl allows the wine to breathe property and release its aromatics
- The tapered rim drives the aromas to the nose, softening acidity and highlighting Pinot Noir’s silky texture
- Its 24oz size allows its complex bouquet to open up
If you don’t have a dedicated Burgundy glass, a universal wine glass is a good alternative.
Shop our top Pinot Noir glasses picks below:
Dartington Wine Master Burgundy Red Wine Glass (Set of 2)
Waterford Pinot Noir Wine Glass (Set of 2)
Riedel Vinum Pinot Noir-Burgundy Glass (Set of 2)
Riedel O Pinot Noir-Burgundy Glasses (Set of 2)
See our full wine glasses guide for more options.
What is Pinot Noir wine and how is it made?
- Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light bodied red wine crafted from thin skinned grapes of the same name. It originated in Burgundy, France, known for its red fruit flavors, soft tannins and high acidity, versatile for food pairing. Also used in Champagne, Franciacorta and rosé. The Pinot Noir ABV is usually between 12-15%.
It typically has red fruit flavors and lower tannins due to the reduced phenols in the grape skins. Pinot Noir grapes are primarily used to produce red wines but they also find lovely expressions in rosés and other sparkling wines such as Champagne and Franciacorta, adding a generous depth and array of red fruit flavors.
Today, Pinot Noir is grown worldwide: Italy, California, Oregon, New Zealand and Germany (where it is known as Spätburgunder). Pinot Noir wines are often labeled by origin, such as Bourgogne Pinot Noir (an AOC in Burgundy, France), whose production is defined by strict regulations, as well as various AVAs in the US.
Let’s see in detail how Pinot Noir wine is made:
- The dark skinned Pinot Noir grapes are harvested at night or early in the morning to keep them fresh. Because it is an early ripening grape, the grapes are often picked in late summer and early fall (between August and October).
- Harvested grapes are sorted and destemmed to give softer wines lacking the bitter flavors that might have been imparted by the stem. They are then crushed lightly to release juice.
- Fermentation is typically warm, around 86-90°F or 30-31°C and carried out in stainless steel tanks. As Pinot Noir grapes ferment, the skins, seeds and stems may float to form a cap at the top, requiring winemakers to mix them back into this juice. They can do this by pumping down or pumping juice over the cap. Fermentation times vary depending on the desired flavor profile and alcohol content.
- Aging occurs in French oak barrels for nine to twelve months. The wine may be aged on its lees to develop added complexity and softer tannins. Some producers practice “racking”, a process of transferring wines from one barrel to another, although a drawback of doing this is excessive oxygen exposure.
- Blending and bottling are the final steps. Wines from different barrels may be combined and bottled together for a more balanced taste profile.
Note: Pinot Noir grapes may undergo an optional ‘cold soak’ before fermentation for silkier tannins and a deeper color.
What wines are made from Pinot Noir grapes?
Pinot Noir grapes are used to make the classic approachable red wines, as well as sparkling wines, rosés and white wines (Blanc de Noirs)! These styles are achieved through slight variations in winemaking techniques, such as maceration times and aging.
- Red wine is the classic Pinot Noir style, often produced by winemakers in Burgundy.
- Sparkling wines are created by secondary fermentation in a bottle (“método tradicional”) and may be used as a base for Champagne (France) or Cava (in Spain).
- Rosés & Blanc de Noirs require extra care to produce, extensively crafted by wineries in Oregon, California and Germany.
Wine styles made from Pinot Noir grapes:
- Pinot Noir red wines range from light to medium bodied and may be bright and fruit forward or spicy and earthy, depending on the winemaking process.
- Sparkling Pinot Noir wine is the result of combining the pale red grapes with Chardonnay to yield fine, bright and structured bubbly wines with delicate red fruit notes.
- Pinot Noir rosés are typically dry, created by allowing crushed grape skins and juice to have a short period of skin contact before fermentation. These elegant and balanced wines are fresh, floral and fruity, with the length of skin contact determining the final wine color.
- White Pinot Noirs, also called Blanc de Noirs, are produced by gently pressing the grapes immediately after harvesting. Doing so separates the juice from the skins without transferring the red color.
Did you know? Over 40 clones of the Pinot Noir grape exist today, each one unique in taste, color and disease resistance. While Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are color mutations of the grape itself, Pinot Noir serves as the parent grape for several other varieties. These include Chardonnay, Gamay and Aligoté, products of its crosses with Gouais Blanc.
Pinot Noir vs Cabernet is a comparison that wine enthusiasts often make. Pinot Noir is generally lighter and more delicate with higher acidity, while Cabernet Sauvignon is fuller bodied and boldly tannic with flavors of dark fruit. Choose Pinot Noir for an elegant pairing with poultry or fish, while Cab Sauv’s power is best enjoyed with red meats like steak.
How does terroir affect Pinot Noir?
The concept of terroir dates back to 1000 A.D., when Cistercian monks near Dijon cultivated grapes on Burgundy’s hillsides. Dedicated to their craft, they kept detailed records of the proceeds of each plot, discovering in the process that Pinot Noir from one row tastes different from the others. This principle drives pricing and prestige today: cool climates yield highly acidic and savory Pinot Noir while warmer areas give jammy and soft wines.
- In Burgundy (France), Pinot Noir is complex, age worthy and earthy due to the cool climate and limestone soils.
- The cool nights in Willamette Valley (Oregon) yield Pinot Noir with bright acidity, floral and fresh red fruit notes.
- Sonoma Coast (California)’s coastal fog influence gives a silky wine with cherry and spice notes.
While France and the U.S. lead in prestige and volume, other regions like Italy, Germany and South Africa also contribute exciting variations in flavor, structure, price and aging potential.
Top Pinot Noir production regions at a glance:
- Burgundy (France) serves as the home of some of the best Pinot Noir wines, offering complex, earthy and age worthy reds. The grape thrives in the region’s cool climate and limestone rich soils, producing a wide range of styles that may be light or more full bodied.
Top areas: Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune - Willamette Valley (Oregon, USA) is a world renowned producer of Pinot Noir and Willamette Valley accounts for nearly 90% of the state’s output. This region’s cool nights and warm summers promote slow ripening, developing nuanced wines with fresh red fruit aromas, bright acidity and floral lift.
Top areas: Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills - Sonoma Coast (California, USA): Pinot Noir production here is characterized by coastal influence, which results in balanced and expressive wines with cherry, spice and silky textures.
Top areas: Russian River Valley, Petaluma Gap - Santa Barbara County (California, USA): Pinot Noir is the second most planted grape in this region, with different areas producing distinct styles. Generally, Santa Barbara Pinots are warmer climate wines with robust ripe fruit, spice notes and a lush mouthfeel.
Top areas: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley - Alto Adige (Südtirol, Italy): high altitudes, well ventilated locations and cool climates help to preserve the finesse and high quality of their Pinot Noirs.
Top areas: Manzon, Egna, Appiano - Central Otago (New Zealand): a major producer of bold, fruit driven Pinot with minerality and bright acidity. The region has an ideal cool and continental climate that gives rise to rich and complex wines with excellent structure.
Top areas: Bannockburn, Gibbston Valley - Mornington Peninsula (Australia) is a prominent wine region known for its high quality Pinot Noir, which accounts for nearly half of its total grapevine plantings. The climate here is cool and maritime, yielding coastal Pinot Noirs with balanced soft red berry notes, fine tannins and light spice.
Top areas: Red Hill, Main Ridge - Germany is the world’s third largest producer of Pinot Noir, locally known as Spätburgunder. The style of Pinot Noir here is influenced by the cool climate, with herbal, savory tones and surprising aging potential.
Top areas: Ahr, Baden, Pfalz
Moreover, regions like Tasmania (Australia), Ahr (Germany), Casablanca Valley (Chile) and Elgin (South Africa) are emerging cool climate areas with limited but growing Pinot Noir production, offering distinct styles and excellent value. These regions may not rival Burgundy or California in scale, but they add exciting diversity.
How we rate Pinot Noir
We rate wines primarily using a 5 point scale, assigning scores based on the appearance, aroma or bouquet, flavor (or palate) and overall impression of the wine. Every wine we recommend is blind tasted and personally scored by our editorial team; no price tags, no bias. We score on a 50 point system, which we then convert to a simple 5 point scale as follows:
- 5 = Exceptional
- 4 = Excellent
- 3 = Very Good
- 2 = Good
- 1 = Fair
What do we look for?
- Appearance (up to 5 points): clarity, color, brightness
- Aroma & bouquet (up to 15 points): intensity, complexity, absence of flaws
- Flavor & palate (up to 20 points): balance of acidity, tannin, alcohol, depth, mouthfeel
- Overall impression (up to 10 points): harmony, complexity, typicity, finish, aging potential
A wine that scores between 4 and 5 points indicates outstanding quality, while lower scores like 1 and 2 suggest mediocrity.
We rate Pinot Noirs considering three additional criteria:
- Structure: there should be harmonious bright acidity, well integrated tannins and balanced alcohol content.
- Aromatic profile: layers of fresh red fruit notes, oak tones and earthy undertones, especially in cool climate Pinot Noir from France.
- Terroir expression: Old World styles should be lighter and more delicate, while New World Pinot Noir offers a richer, more intense flavor profile
A note from our team: with wine drinking and tasting, it all comes down to personal palate and our scores reflect our palate and taste. Read our tasting notes to find bottles that you will enjoy the most, which is what matters to us more than any number.
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FAQs on Pinot Noir
What is the Pinot Noir wine grape?
Pinot Noir is a thin skinned red grape variety known for producing elegant, light bodied wines with complex flavors. Originating from Burgundy, France, it is prized for its notes of cherry, raspberry, earth and spice. Due to its delicate nature and difficulty to grow, it’s referred to as the “heartbreak grape,” but delivers exceptional wines when grown in ideal conditions.
What are Pinot Noir wine prices?
Pinot Noir wine prices vary greatly depending on origin and quality. Entry level bottles from regions like California or Chile can start around $20–$30, while premium Burgundy wines can exceed $100, with Grand Cru bottles reaching thousands. Generally, expect to pay more for well rated vintages and wines from prestigious producers or regions with a reputation for excellence.
What are the best years for Pinot Noir wine?
Some of the best years for Pinot Noir include 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2019, especially for Burgundy. These vintages offered ideal growing conditions that resulted in balanced, age-worthy wines with finesse. However, the best year can also depend on the region, with excellent vintages also found in Italy, Oregon, California and New Zealand in similar years.
What are the best Pinot Noir vintages?
Some of the best Pinot Noir vintages include 2014, 2019, 2022 and 2023, especially for Burgundy. These vintages offered ideal growing conditions that resulted in balanced, age worthy wines with finesse. However, the best year can also depend on the region, with excellent vintages found in Italy, Oregon, California and New Zealand in similar years.
Is Pinot Noir wine produced in Burgundy?
Yes, Pinot Noir is famously produced in Burgundy, France, its ancestral home and benchmark region. Burgundy’s terroir, particularly in areas like Côte de Nuits, is ideal for growing Pinot Noir, yielding refined, earthy wines with aging potential. The region’s classification system, including Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, highlights the wine’s prestige and global influence.
What are the best Pinot Noir brands?
Some of the best Pinot Noir brands include Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. Outside France, top names include Kosta Browne and Williams Selyem in California and Felton Road in New Zealand. These producers are praised for their meticulous vineyard practices and ability to capture Pinot Noir’s nuance and complexity.
Is Pinot Noir wine produced only in France?
No, Pinot Noir is not produced only in France. While it originated in Burgundy, it’s now grown worldwide. Top producing regions include Italy, Oregon, California, New Zealand, Germany (where it's called Spätburgunder) and Chile. Each region imparts its own character to the wine, from earthy and structured in Burgundy to fruity and lush in New World expressions.
Where is Pinot Noir wine from?
Pinot Noir originates from the Burgundy region of France, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Today, it is grown globally, including in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, California’s Sonoma and Santa Barbara, Germany, New Zealand and Chile. While its birthplace remains the gold standard, each region offers a unique interpretation of this delicate and expressive grape variety.
How long can you keep a bottle of Pinot Noir open?
Once opened, a bottle of Pinot Noir can typically be enjoyed for 3 to 5 days if stored properly. To preserve its flavor and aroma, reseal the bottle and refrigerate it. Pinot Noir’s light body and delicate structure mean it oxidizes more quickly than bolder reds, so it's best consumed within a few days of opening.
Is Pinot Noir a Bordeaux?
No, Pinot Noir is not a Bordeaux wine. Bordeaux red wines are typically red wine blends made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Pinot Noir is the primary red variety used for Burgundy red wines, which are typically single varietal wines.
