Over the years, Pinot Noir in California has had its ups and downs. But these days, you can find outstanding wines in just about every region the length of the state. Seek out as many the wines below as you can find.
Anderson Valley
Nestled amidst the rugged alluvial ridges and towering redwoods of coastal Mendocino County, the far-flung Anderson Valley is celebrated for producing cool-climate wines of outstanding quality.
2022 Goldeneye Gowan Creek ($90) estate vineyard part of the Duckhorn portfolio; focused, juicy dark berries licorice, toasty oak
2023 Kendall Jackson Outland Ridge ($60) high eastern ridge vineyard; lavish dark berries, tea, mushrooms, allspice
Russian River Valley
Fog and breezes from the Pacific Ocean and the river are moderated by a bit more sun, encouraging wines with bright red fruit capable of balancing fruit intensity with supple structure. The wines produced
2021 Ram’s Gate Bush Crispo Vineyard ($80) vineyard located in the acclaimed Olivet Lane district; dense red fruit, tea, spicy, robust impact but elegant structure
2020 B. Wise Silver Eagle Vineyard ($75) limited release from a vineyard located on a plateau separating the Russian River Valley from the Sonoma Coast; raspberry, plum, wet earth, white pepper, toasty oak, smooth texture
2021 Arista ($70) blends several cool climate vineyards from across the appellation; intense, vibrant dark fruit, anise, spice, firm texture
2022 Bricoleur ($65) inviting red fruits, hibiscus, tobacco, exotic spice, bright finish
Petaluma Gap
Marked by Pacific Ocean fog and steady winds funneled west to east in southern Sonoma County to the San Pablo Bay, the Petaluma Gap creates an ideal cool-climate setting for producing vibrant and expressive wines.
2023 Kendall Jackson Cloud Landing ($55) located between San Pablo Bay and Pacific Ocean; concentrated, lively dark cherries, forest floor, baking spice, fine grained tannins
Sonoma Coast
A large appellation mostly featuring similar cool climate conditions in various microclimates and high elevation vineyards, though often with more rainfall. The Sonoma Coast AVA extends from San Pablo Bay to the border with Mendocino County.
2021 Three Sticks Gap’s Crown Vineyard ($75) one of Three Sticks’ “Heritage Vineyards” in located on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain in what now is known as the Petaluma Gap; packed with all sorts of juicy red and dark berry fruit, impressive richness, touch of earth, warm spices, balanced with supple tannins
Carneros
Straddling southern Napa and Sonoma, Carneros is distinguished by the cooling influences of the San Pablo Bay and Pacific Ocean: foggy mornings and breezy, sun-soaked afternoons.
2022 Bouchaine Estate ($50) the oldest continuously family-owned property in Napa’s Carneros; red fruit, herbal shades, soft palate
2023 Cuvaison Mariafeld ($80) unique Swiss clone produces vibrant, deep, dynamic red fruits, silky texture
Santa Lucia Highlands
Just inland from the Monterey Bay, the vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands are planted on the hillsides of the Santa Lucia mountain range overlooking the Salinas Valley. There are many fine, pricy wines being produced from here.
2022 Rombauer Vineyards ($55) blend of eight vineyards; rich red cherry, plum, tea, light creamy note
Arroyo Grande Valley
At the southern end of San Louis Obispo County, in California’s Central Coast, the Arroyo Grande Valley is often overlooked but some fine Pinot Noir is made here. Just a few miles from the Pacific, this is California’s coolest wine growing region. Grapes are influenced by the marine conditions making cool, complex, balanced wines.
2023 Talley Vineyards Rosemary’s Vineyard ($90) Talley estate vineyard in view of Pacific Ocean; juicy, ripe red and dark fruit, herbs, savory spice, elegant, chalky texture
Santa Rita Hills
In Santa Barbara County, the Santa Ynez Valley, especially Santa Rita Hills is notable for its west-east orientation, which funnels cooling Pacific Ocean breezes throughout the valley, has developed a reputation for top Pinot Noir. Also, experiencing marine influences, leading to vivacious, silken wines.
2021 Alma Rosa Barrel Select ($90) special selection from the El Jabali estate vineyard; nicely concentrated, bright red fruit, luscious acidity, earthy notes,
well-structured, chalky tannins
2023 The Hilt Estate ($50) blend of rich, juicy fruit from Bentrock estate and opulent, and intense fruit from Radian estate; lively dark fruit, savory, fine structure