Bogey's Favorites of 2022: Pinot Noir

If you were to ask us what our favorite grape was, every Bogey here would give you the same answer: Pinot Noir! It's versatile, great with a large variety of foods, and its cherry, rose, and blackberry notes fit nearly any palate. Here are our picks for the best Pinot Noirs we tasted and brought into the shop in 2022!

L'UMAMI WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR, OREGON 2020

Showcases very fresh, clean, savory style of Oregon Pinot. Scents of ripe cherry, plum, strawberry, raspberry, and mushroom. On the palate the wine has a classic profile of earth, cherry, and plum with a hint of smoke and sundried tomato.

AU BON CLIMAT 'SANTA BARBARA COUNTY' PINOT NOIR, CALIFORNIA 2020

Always the top in its class and a great value, the Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir excels year after year because quality comes first. Strawberry and blackberry aromas slowly rise from the glass joined by nuances of anise and clove. It is a youthful wine with mouth-filling intensity and suppleness. Complexity will increase as it ages.

LEMELSON VINEYARDS 'THEA'S SELECTION' PINOT NOIR, OREGON 2018

Highly oak influenced Pinot that one would still consider reasonably balanced. Brilliant ruby color. Lots of vanilla, cedar, creamy red fruit, with cherry pie on the nose. Palate has nice bright acidity, nice texture, and a little sweet spice underneath the cherry and strawberry fruit. Slightly bitter finish.

PORTER CREEK 'RUSSIAN RIVER SELECTION' PINOT NOIR, CALIFORNIA 2018

Porter Creek helped put Russian River Valley on the map and continues to be one of the top producers of the region. George Davis first planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in their Westside Road vineyard in 1977, long before it was fashionable. Expressive and pretty, it’s approachable and lively with red cherry and savory herbs, moderate oak, medium body, and a long finish.

CRISTOM 'MT. JEFFERSON CUVÉE' PINOT NOIR, OREGON 2019

The wine is vibrant and fresh with popping acidity and an effusive strawberry and cherry character. The spice is effortlessly integrated into the wine with fine tannins. This vintage is simply outstanding.