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Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most popular red wine grape varietals for all seasons.
Originally from Burgundy, France, it’s now grown in regions across the globe and is known for its light body and rich, berry flavors.
Here are six of the best Pinot Noirs for $15 and under.
Bogle 2019 Pinot Noir (California); $11, 91 Points. (Buy on Vivino.) Rich black-fruit notes fill the aromas and flavors of this saturated and full-bodied wine. Gorgeous black cherry and blueberry flavors are wrapped in fine-grained tannins for a mouthfilling effect. Best Buy. —Jim Gordon
Castle Rock 2019 Pinot Noir (Monterey County); $14, 90 Points. (Buy on Vivino.) There’s a hefty amount of raw meat funk on the nose of this bottling, which also exhibits aromas of baked cherry, star anise and cardamom. Toasted oak flavors lead the palate through the roasted cherry, dried meat and hickory spice flavors. Best Buy. —Matt Kettmann
Jacques Bourguignon 2020 Pinot Noir (Vin de France); $12, 90 Points. (Buy on Vivino.) Bright cherry and currant form the nose of this wine. The palate is fruit forward and packed with acidity. Red plum and blackberry are ripe and easy. Lightly powdery tannins lead to a cranberry finish. Advantage International. Best Buy. —Fiona Adams
Underwood 2019 Pinot Noir (Oregon); $14, 90 Points. (Buy on Vivino.) Grapes for this humble Pinot are sourced from all over the state. Such diversity is unheard of in a budget wine, as is aging in 15% new French oak, also part of the process. Pretty cherry and brambly blackberry fruit shines most of all, with an elegant transparency. It’s a light and almost delicate wine, but offers sensational value and plenty of flavor. Best Buy. —Paul Gregutt
Viña Casablanca 2020 Céfiro Cool Reserve Pinot Noir (Casablanca Valley); $10, 88 Points. (Buy on Vivino.) Cherry and candied berry aromas form the opening, while this everyday Pinot from a hot year displays rubbery tannins on an otherwise sound palate. Cassis and plum flavors finish with commendable freshness, with hints of natural spice as well as oak spice. Carolina Wine Brands USA. Best Buy. —Michael Schachner
Yellow Tail 2019 Pinot Noir (South Eastern Australia); $7, 88 Points. (Buy on Vivino.) This wine offers ripe blueberry, blackberry, vanilla and licks of dried herbs and spices. The palate is thin yet ripe, with an unexpected bite of slightly astringent tannins. Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits. Best Buy. —Christina Pickard
