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Pinot Noir grows best in California in districts near the Pacific Coast, from Sonoma in the north to Santa Barbara in the south. Today's selection is a solid representation of these coastal styles of Pinot, including five wines rated 90 points or higher.
There are two from the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara: Dragonette and Lincourt. They both provide the pure and crisp red fruit flavors that are characteristic of this cool-climate region, which is rich with chalky soils. Just to the north, the Talley bottling from Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo County has plenty of savory and toasty accents; the winery is slightly inland and thus in a warmer location. Finally, there is the juicy and creamy Joseph Jewell and the richly spiced Roth, which are representative of the more powerful flavors common in Sonoma County.
DRAGONETTE Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2016
This glides across the palate with a mix of dried rose petal, cherry tart and red plum flavors that are well-spiced. Sandalwood and forest floor notes show on the broad finish. Drink now through 2023. 988 cases made.
JOSEPH JEWELL Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2015
Juicy and redolent of fresh-crushed red raspberry and cherry flavors. Minerally midpalate, with lively acidity powering the zesty finish. Drink now through 2023. 675 cases made.
TALLEY Pinot Noir Arroyo Grande Valley 2016
Well-structured, with plenty of savory accents to the red currant, raspberry and dried cherry flavors. Touches of dried mint show midpalate, with a crunchy finish that features toasty notes. Drink now through 2023. 4,091 cases made.
LINCOURT Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Rancho Santa Rosa 2016
Seductive tea and cola notes anchor this fruity style, which features concentrated dark cherry, raspberry and dried blueberry flavors. Asian spice and mocha hints show on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 13,797 cases made.
ROTH Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016
Rich, featuring an enveloping spiciness to the dried cherry, berry and forest floor flavors. The creamy finish offers light smoky and peppery accents. Drink now through 2022. 4,000 cases made.
CHERRY PIE Pinot Noir Monterey-Sonoma-Santa Barbara Counties 2016
There's an engaging freshness to the dried cherry, currant and roasted plum flavors, backed by medium-grained tannins. Well-structured, with a minerally finish. Drink now through 2021. 30,700 cases made.
FOLIE DEUX Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2017
Fresh and focused flavors of raspberry, cherry and crushed plum feature a backbone of zesty acidity. The long finish is minerally, with savory and spicy accents. Drink now through 2022. 17,000 cases made.
CASTLE ROCK Pinot Noir Mendocino County 2017
On the light side, with juicy raspberry and cherry flavors that are accented by clove and nutmeg notes. Drink now. 54,194 cases made.
CLINE Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2017
Offers hints of white pepper to the cinnamon-accented red fruit flavors. Crisp finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases made.