Specifically, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from premium wine producers at low to moderate prices. Russian River is the primary region of Sonoma County for this wine, and a significant amount is produced.
 |
| Going out of business sale? |
These wineries offer a selection of Pinot Noirs at decent prices and have tasting rooms for sampling, should you find yourself in the area. I can’t guarantee that all these wines will be available in your local stores. However, if they are available, you may often find them for less than the winery’s asking price.
Locally, I’ve noticed significant discounts on wines, including Pinot Noir! With wine sales being somewhat slow, there can be great bargains. Below are the retail prices for some wines I've found online at the Total Wine store in Santa Rosa, CA.
Balletto Vineyards
Their Russian River Valley Pinot is a blend from several of their vineyards and sells for $36 at the winery, though you can find it in the mid-$20s in retail stores. This family-owned winery also has several Pinots in the $50-$55 range. I have found two of these more expensive Pinots at a local independent retailer, Bottle Barn, for about $40.
Freeman Vineyard
They offer a couple of appellation blend Pinot Noirs priced in the $40s and are family-owned. I haven't seen any discounts online.
Gary Farrell Winery
A well-known Pinot Noir producer with a couple of appellation blends, Russian River and Sonoma Coast, that can be found at reasonable prices. The Russian River is at Total Wine for $37.
Hook and Ladder Winery
Their Russian River Valley Estate Pinot is $25 at Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa. This wine isn't on the winery's website, indicating it is distribution-only. They have several other Pinots priced in the mid-$40s; I'm unsure if they are available in stores. The owners founded De Loach Winery in the 1970s, sold it over 20 years ago, and started up this one just up the street.
La Crema
Part of the huge Kendall Jackson family wine empire. They have several Pinots at reasonable prices. The Sonoma Coast, Russian River, and Willamette Pinot Noirs are the ones you'll most likely find on a retail store shelf. Total Wine currently has three La Crema Pinots for under $30
Rodney Strong Vineyards
This widely distributed brand features a couple of their many Pinots at good prices. Owned by a California agriculture family more known for asparagus. Someone apparently decided wine was more fun! Their Russian River Pinot is at Total Wine for only $16. The family also owns nearby Davis Bynum Winery, which is all about Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You can find their RRV Pinot for under $30.
Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards
Owned by Duckhorn Winery since last year, Sonoma Cutrer has experienced significant price reductions for their wines. They are apparently cleaning out inventory. The winery is listed on Google as permanently closed. Total Wine has their Russian River Pinot, their least expensive option, for $29, while other online retailers show it for even less.
 |
| Cute name, great price Bad reviews |
Buyer Beware
Store shelves may have plenty of $10-$15 Pinots. As with any wine, use caution when you purchase in the lower price range. Many of these wines are labels owned by large conglomerates or are negotiant wines, and some may list California as the growing area rather than specific regions like Sonoma or Russian River. These factors may affect the wine's quality. This is why my list leans towards more expensive wines that come from reputable sources.
No comments:
Post a Comment