Top Pinot Noirs under $50 - The best picks for every occasion
Lifestyle
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10:00 AM on Thursday, August 21
By Vicki Denig for Sommsation, Stacker
Top Pinot Noirs under $50 - The best picks for every occasion
Pinot Noir is one of the wine world’s most beloved red wine varieties, and has captivated the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide with its delicate flavors and versatile nature. However, the stereotype that great Pinot Noir only comes from Burgundy—and costs a decent amount of money—simply isn’t true.
Best of all, exploring the world of accessible Pinot Noir opens doors to a myriad of diverse wine regions, each offering its own unique expression of this special variety. From approachable, fruit-forward styles from California to the complex and earthy bottlings produced in Oregon, there's a Pinot Noir to suit every palate and occasion, and our experts are here to lead the way. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, Sommsation shares budget-friendly gems that will inspire you to further explore the vast world of Pinot Noir.
Factors to Consider When Buying Pinot Noir
“Pinot Noir is my go-to when I want something versatile and a little thoughtful,” says Victoria Love, winery management specialist at Sommsation and certified specialist of wine. Love notes that Pinot Noir-based wines are perfect for dinners where the food might be all over the map, like a potluck or a Thanksgiving spread, and that they equally make a great date night wine. “They’re generally complex enough to talk about, but soft and approachable enough to just enjoy,” she says. When selecting a Pinot Noir under $50, here are several factors to consider:
Region
A wine's origin has a significant influence on its flavor profile, as the weather conditions, soil type, and overall climate of an area play a massive role in the grapes’ development. For value-driven Pinots that promise to overdeliver, Love recommends looking to cool-climate areas. “In Oregon, the Willamette Valley is a no-brainer for vibrant, balanced Pinot that still feels artisanal without the premium price,” she says, equally citing Santa Barbara and Mendocino in California as great spots for value, especially from small producers.
Producer Style
Wineries with a history of producing high-quality Pinot Noir are more likely to offer consistent excellence, even at lower price points. Familiarizing yourself with reputable producers, such as those featured below, can help you make informed decisions when exploring new wines.
Food Friendliness and Occasion
When seeking out a bottle of accessible Pinot Noir for a dinner or gathering, consider the dishes that will be on the table. Love notes that roast chicken is a classic pairing for Pinot Noir, though the wine equally shines when poured with salmon-based plates. “Mushroom dishes—especially risotto or pasta with a bit of cream—are also always a win, and if you’re feeling indulgent, duck confit and Pinot is a combo that never misses,” she says.
By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be well on your way to discovering the world of exceptional Pinot Noir across a variety of budgets and styles. Not sure where to begin? Check out these five vetted bottlings recommended by our expert sommeliers here.
Top Pinot Noir Wines Under $50
1. Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2023
Price: $30
Opens with a bouquet of bright red cherry, raspberry, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a harmonious blend of juicy red fruit flavors, including strawberry and pomegranate, intertwined with earthy undertones and a hint of spice. The wine's crisp acidity and silky tannins provide a well-balanced structure, resulting in a complex finish with lingering notes of mineral and a hint of forest floor.
2. ORSA Pinot Noir 2022
Price: $32
Vibrant aromas of hibiscus, bergamot, and red clay on the nose. A well-balanced and restrained palate with elegant notes of cranberry and Earl Grey. The finish is lengthy with profound texture. “This wine has that coastal California freshness with a bright red berry core, and just enough Earl Grey spice to keep things interesting,” says Love, describing the wine as elegant without trying too hard. “It’s great for anyone who wants a Pinot that feels handcrafted and energetic—Martin is a wonderful winemaker who really specializes in creating wines that punch way above their price point.
3. Yering Station Estate Pinot Noir 2023
Price: $37
Tasting Notes: Dark mineral tones are reminiscent of slate soils, accompanied by hints of graphite, dark chocolate, vanilla, and blackberry jam. Full-bodied, loads of dark fruit, round velvety tannins, and lively backbone, finishing with epic length. Deep garnet-purple colored.
“This is a wine made in Mendocino at high altitude, which allows the wine to have high acidity and fruity, floral-driven notes,” says Arias. “This is a great example of what Cabernet Sauvignon can be in parts of California beyond Napa.”
4. Cellar Beast Winehouse Pinot Noir Reserve 2022
Price: $40
Aroma of rich earthiness lined by bright strawberries. The palate pushes forward with more subtle earthiness and a silky finish. “This bottle of Pinot is all about depth and structure,” says Love, citing notes of rich cherry, strawberry, and an earthy backbone. “It feels grounded, but still super smooth—a great choice if you like your Pinot with a bit of edge and presence,” she says. Love notes that Cellarbeast is a unique project that showcases fruit from all over the country, but conducts its winemaking entirely in Pennsylvania.
5. Tior Wines Pinot Noir 2023
Price: $40
Aroma of rich earthiness lined by bright strawberries. The palate pushes forward with more subtle earthiness and a silky finish. “Playful and fresh, this wine is all ripe strawberry and tart plum with silky texture,” says Love, citing that the wine leans more on the juicy, crushable side of things, but still has really nice acidity for balance and structure. “It’s great for sipping on a warm evening or bringing to dinner with friends,” she says. Love notes that Tior is a small project helmed by Chelsea Miller, focused entirely on producing outstanding Pinots and other Burgundian varieties from classic Oregon regions.
This story was produced by Sommsation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
