I'd Like a PINOT NOIR that doesn't actually SUCK!!!!

[powermovers]

Anybody have any good advice on a good pinot noir?  Most I've had sucked big time.....especially for the price.  In fact, I've only found 3 liked, but onlu ONE that I just love.

The last 2 months I experimented and bought 1 bottle a week.  Most were either tart and weak, or light with not much taste.  I even poured out a bottle of a cheaper B.V. brand.  Anyway, I figured out my very favorite which was a 2001 reserve Eryie Vinyards....this was/is the best I've tasted....period......maybe better than any wine I've ever tasted.  It's hard to describe, but when I had it the first time for Christmas, it has been on my mind eveyday until I could locate some.   It's from a small Oregon winery.  It's $50 on their website....if you can find more, or $26 at Costco.

The 2nd favorite was another I found at Costco.  Its one of their own KirklandSignature wines that they export from New Zealand.  It's very full, tasty, and surprisingly yummy.....plan on going thru the whole bottle when you open it, cause you won't stop drinking it.  The price is between $16-$17 and well worth it.  It's from one of the best growing areas of New Zealand many Americans don't know about.

The 3rd one is Chateua St. Jean in California.  Their Pinot Noir is very, very, very bold, deep, smoky, and WOW!!!  Was this a pinot noir, or did it have some merlot in it.  It was beautiful, romantic, and imaginative.  This one may actually be my second favorite, but it's close.

Fourth and not least is another winery from California.  Its winery is Kendall Jackson.   Their pinot noir is good and very respectable, and holds it's on with the others mentioned above.  The 2005 won all kinds of double-gold medals and many other accolades.  It's actually sold out at the winery, but you can still find it in stores.  It sells for about $15-$16.    I'd suspect that the 2006 is good too, because they're already racking up awards......oh yea...and try their zinfindel....it's the best you find in any  price range in the $12-$30 range.

Still yet, I'd like to add 2-3 more good pinot noirs to my regiment......any hints or clues out there.

[merlinater]

Have you had the 2005 vintage from Clos du Bois Winery, USA? Its my favorite. Don't recalll the price but I think it is high teens. Its very smooth.

[whanda]

Have you had the 2005 vintage from Clos du Bois Winery, USA? Its my favorite. Don't recalll the price but I think it is high teens. Its very smooth.

This kind of wine is also one of my top favorite including the Rose. I love the smooth taste of this wine.

[powermovers]

That makes two (o.k.'s) for Clos du Bois.  I'll have to try it.

I have found 2 more that's pretty good since my last post.  The 1st is 2005 Robert Mondavi (carneros) form California, and  06' Adelsheim from Oregon.   The Adelsheim needs a good 40 minutes at least to open up real nice; then it's just a true pleasure.

I bought 2 bottles of  05' Domaine Drouhin but haven't open them yet.

I'd still like 2 more more kinds to add to my cellar.

[powermovers]

O.K., I'd tried it and it was pretty good.   Thanks for the suggestion.

[TJBlues]

Here is a short list of Pinots I like - keeping in mind that taste is an individual thing.  I like fruity complex flavours with low to mid tannins.  Most of the following are sub $20 wines. 

Rodney Strong - Russsian River Valley - California Sonoma ~$20
Sterling Vintner's Collection - California Sonoma - ~$12
Willamett Valley Vineyards - Oregon - ~$12
Echelon  -  California  ~$14
Cambria  -  California ~$18
LaCrema  -  California Sonoma Coast  -  ~$23
Mommessin - Oak Aged Pinot Noir - France  -  ~$18  My personal favorite but I can no longer find it.  I used to buy it at World Market.

[americanwn]

I hardly drink Pinot so I'm definitely not the guy to ask for a bunch of recomendations but I have to say, the 2006 Fulcrum Wines from Anderson Valley was the best I have ever had.  Bit pricey, $52.

[twinforks]

Whoo - hoo my first post and it's going to be about my favorite wine!!  I'm gald to see that you moved into the right direction (carneros)...stick in this region and you will be very happy with all of your choices.  My absolute favorite would have to be Carneros Creek 2006 Reserve.  I had it one night at a steakhouse (of corse you know i paid triple the price) and I was blown away with just how smooth it was.  Since, I've stocked up...on average you can get these bottles for about $21.  If you were happy with the Mondavi you'll fall in love with this.  Enjoy!!

[Winemeister]

I just recently found a VG Pinot Noir at "Total Wine".
Winery: Main Divide
Vintage: 2006
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Value: $25 USD