Finding Affordable Pinot Noir
Is it possible to find quality California Pinot Noir Under $30 a bottle? Well, Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow; its thin skin is susceptible to disease and it prefers cool climates. Additionally, Pinot Noir tends to have low yields. It is also considered one of the most premium wine varieties you can drink right now. And as such, it is often made with great care: planted in the best vineyards, aged in the finest oak. For all of these reasons, Pinot Noir tends to be expensive. Many of the most expensive wines in the world are made from Pinot Noir (I’m looking at you, Burgundy).
However, there are some quality examples of affordable California Pinot Noir. Here are 8 examples of California Pinot Noirs which are special, world-class wines—but which won’t break the bank.
If these California Pinot Noirs don't fit your budget, check out our guide to find wine values.
Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2016
The Duttons have been growing wine for many of the top California producers for decades. In this project, they team up with winemaker Dan Goldfield to craft a variety of single-vineyard Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and a Syrah. Their entry-level wine is Dutton Ranch, of which they make a Chardonnay and a Pinot, and is a blend of their single-vineyard sites. Consistent from vintage to vintage, the wine displays vibrant red cherries and a juicy finish. $36
Average Price | $36
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Winc Folly Of The Beast Pinot Noir, Central Coast
This affordable California Pinot Noir is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The fruit comes from the foggy Central Coast of California where the Pacific Ocean regulates the temperatures for most of the day. That allows for a nice long ripening and maximum flavor development. This Pinot displays classic cherry fruit and then backs it up with sweet spices from the time it spends in the barrel. At under $20, this is a great value. Be aware, this is a popular wine for WINC and it does sell out.
You can learn more about WINC wine club and save $20 here.
Peay Vineyards “Cep” Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2016
The Peay family are vocal advocates for the “true” Sonoma Coast—the foggy, cool-climate region perfectly suited for Pinot Noir. Cep is their second label, where they have fun with Sauvignon Blanc and rose, but also craft benchmark Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The fruit comes mostly from their Estate vineyard and is farmed organically. As with their Peay Pinot Noirs, the wine is a true expression of terroir and has a complex nose mingling black tea and spice with mushroom and black cherries.
Average Price | $27
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The Pinot Project, California, 2016
The label of wine importer Michael Skurnik, who in 2009 set out to craft a brand that was both delicious and cost-effective. This Pinot blended from around California achieves supreme drinkability, with a soft, fruity character. Bonus: it also comes in cans!
Average Price | $12
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J.L Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, 2014
In the cool-climate pocket of Santa Barbara that is home to some of California’s best Pinots, sits J.L Bonaccorsi. Consistent from vintage to vintage, this Pinot has dark plum and cherry fruit, tobacco and baking spice, and an ever-so-silky texture.
Average Price | $25
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Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Pinot Noir, Monterey, 2014
A single-vineyard Pinot Noir at this price point can be very hard to find! This one not only delivers on flavor—red apple, cigar box—but also comes from a historic winery: founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continually-operated family-owned winery in California.
Average Price | $30
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Failla Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 2016
A family-owned winery with famed winemaker Ehren Jordan, of Turley fame, at the helm. Don’t make the mistake of thinking these wines will be Turley-esque, though (rich, jammy). With this project, Ehren wanted to create elegant, Burgundy-style Pinot Noirs. This Sonoma Coast bottling is ready to drink on release and is a restrained, earthy California Pinot.
Average Price | $33
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Brassfield Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, 2013
David Ramey is consulting winemaker, and if you haven’t heard of David Ramey, now is the time to do some googling—he is one of the most important winemakers in California and even has a wing named after him at UC Davis. Add that to the 5 years of bottle age (!!) on this Reserve Pinot Noir and it is obvious that this is a great value.
Average Price | $35
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Central City Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, 2014
From Route 101 Wine Co., which is a project that collaborates with winemakers around California. This Pinot Noir is made by Ryan Roark of Roark Wines. “Central City” comes from the name given to this area of the Santa Maria Valley in the 1800s. The wine is nuanced with orange peel, cigar, and black cherry.
Average Price | $32
Conclusion
While Pinot Noir remains one of the "it" varietals in California, you can expect to pay a premium. If you can find a quality bottle of Pinot Noir to buy online, you are doing great. Any well-made Pinot Noir that is selling for under $25 is a screaming bargain in today's market. We hope our list of affordable California Pinot Noirs gives you a good starting point for your search. If you want quality wines that are an even better value, check out our post on finding and buying value wines.
