Best Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir
Great Pinot Noir creates a lasting impression on the palate and in the memory. Its aroma is often one of the most complex of all varietals and can be intense with a ripe-grape or black cherry aroma, frequently accented by a pronounced spiciness that suggests cinnamon, sassafras, or mint. Ripe tomato, mushroom, and barnyard are also common descriptors for identifying Pinot Noir. It is full-bodied and rich but not heavy, high in alcohol, yet neither acidic nor tannic, with substantial flavor despite its delicacy. The most appealing quality of Pinot Noir may be its soft, velvety texture. When right, it is like liquid silk, gently caressing the palate. Pinot does not have the longevity in the bottle of the darker red wines and tends to reach its peak at five to eight years past the vintage.
 
Although Pinot Noir harmonizes well with a wide variety of foods, the best matches to show off the delicacy and texture of Pinot Noir are: grilled salmon, a good cut of plain roast beef, or any dish that features mushrooms as the main flavor element. Classic French cooking has creations based on Pinot Noir, such as Coq au Vin (chicken cooked in red wine) Boeuf Bourginon, and Cassoulet. Other main dishes that match well with Pinot Noir include roasted and braised preparations of lamb, pheasant, and duck, as well as grilled meaty fish, such as salmon, shark, and swordfish. Best are foods that are simple and rich. Go easy on the spices, some of which may mask the delicate flavors of pinot noir and generally tend to accentuate the hot taste of alcohol.

   
Winery and Wine Web Sites

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Wine Enthusiast Magazine - Up-to-date coverage of the major wine regions of the world, information on new releases and over 300 ratings and reviews.

Wine & Spirits Magazine - Consumer magazine promoting the greater appreciation and enjoyment of wine and fine spirits. Features include articles on food and travel as well as results of the American Wine Competition, and restaurant and retail surveys.

Wine-Searcher.com - Wine-Searcher's daily updated database of 6521 wine merchants' price lists saves you money when buying wines. The site provides the fastest and easiest way to find who is selling a wine, to compare prices between wine stores, and to value wines.

USA Wines - Listing United States wines, wineries and shops. Also features regional maps, information on lodging, dining and events.

Niebaum Coppola Wine Estates - Offers a selection of wines plus information and a tour of the estate.

Avalon of Oregon - Oregon, Washington and Idaho wines and gourmet foods along with articles and reviews.

California Wine - Providing a selection of premium California wines.

New York Wine Cork - A guide to New York vineyards, with a list of wineries, calendar of events, news, tasting notes, and recipes.

Los Olivos Wine and Spirits Emporium -  Santa Barbara County wines.

Winetasting.com - California wineries offering products and information. News, events, and clubs.

WinoWorld.com -  Wines from Washington and the Pacific Northwest including Syrahs from Glen Fiona and Seven Hills wineries.

The Wine Reserve - California and limited production wines.

Signature Wines - A selection of US produced wines with custom labeling.

Villa Toscano -  Wines by a "Tuscan" winery in the Sierra Foothills of California.

Wine Online - A tasting Panel of wine industry professionals and culinary advisors.


 

This listing of the America's Best Pinot Noir was compiled with the help from a Wine Group called Wine Addiction. This list is constantly being revised as we experience and learn about more of America's Great Wine. So, if you feel you we have missed a great Chardonnay, please send us a bottle.