Pinot Noir is often pricey, particularity if you’re after a pretty (tasty) one.  But for lovers of the variety who are on a budget, there is hope.  While value Pinot Noirs don’t always deliver something all that enjoyable, our tasting panel has discovered a few that hit the spot for about $25 or less.

Hess Select 2016 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Central Coast, Ca

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Elements of cherries, strawberries, and plums intermingle with hints of cedar and vanilla on the nose. The palate unfurls with flavors of raspberries, strawberry, and plum that flow into whispers of clove, vanilla, and rose petals. Nice fruit and nice acidity make this a Pinot that’s ideal for dishes like duck or roast chicken.

Rating: 89

J Vineyards 2016 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: California

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of bing cherries, red currants, and plums mingle among hints of cola, rose petals, and all-spice on the nose. Ripe flavors of cherry, strawberry, and plum open up into expressions of spring flowers, cinnamon and cola on the palate. Rich fruit and a balanced acidity make this a winner for the price.

Rating: 90

Au Bon Climat 2016 Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Santa Barbara County, California

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of vivid red berries, all-spice, earth, and anise greets the senses. Strawberry, bing cherry and raspberry flavors open up into nuances of earth and licorice on the palate. With a food-friendly acidity and lively fruit, this is a Pinot to pair with grilled salmon.

Rating: 90