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Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2023 750ml

Banshee is one of Sonoma County's most exciting Pinot Noir producers — a winery built on the belief that the best wines from Sonoma are yet to be made, and determined to produce some of them. Sourcing from a carefully curated network of cool-climate vineyards across the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Anderson Valley, Banshee pursues Pinot that achieves power without weight — transparent, site-driven, and alive with the flavors of the coast: forest floor, pine, tea, spice, and minerals alongside the fruit.

The 2023 Sonoma County Pinot Noir is generous, layered, and immediately appealing — an excellent food wine that is equally charming on its own. Bright, medium-bodied, and bursting with red and dark fruit, it delivers real complexity for the price and confirms why Banshee has earned such a devoted following.

"Layers of dark cherries, spices, blackberry bush and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity, showing dried herbs, graphite and plums. Generous and bold." — James Suckling, 92 pts

• Producer: Banshee Wines, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Appellation: Sonoma County AVA
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, elegant, cool-climate California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, dark cherry, blackberry, violets, forest floor, five-spice, toasted caramel, graphite, bright acidity
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, grilled lamb chops, or brie

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling — 92 Points
Layers of dark cherries, spices, blackberry bush and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity, showing dried herbs, graphite and plums. Generous and bold.

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
Pouring a medium ruby color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is forward in the glass, with bright aromas of preserved cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, and red flowers. The palate has lovely energy within a medium-bodied frame, and it has a refreshing feel, with its spices and chalky texture coming through on the finish.

Wine Spectator — 90 Points
A pretty red, with a steady beam of raspberry and cherry coulis flecked with red tea and savory. The streamlined finish shows a late tug of red licorice.

Site-driven Sonoma Pinot Noir that over-delivers at every price — Banshee is the kind of bottle you open on a Tuesday and finish before dinner is over.

DELOACH PINOT NOIR CALIFORNIA 2024 | 750ML

🇺🇸 United States — Pinot Noir | California Delta Region

An expressive, fruit-forward California Pinot Noir from a long-time pioneer in sustainable winemaking. The nose opens with ripe cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, rose petal, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, vibrant red berry flavors — cranberry, pomegranate, and ripe cherry — are framed by soft tannins and bright acidity, with a touch of vanilla and a silky texture that carries through to the elegant finish.

Sourced from a single grower partner DeLoach has worked with since 2009, with fruit primarily from the Delta region where the cooling influence of the Sacramento River preserves natural acidity and creates ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. Grapes are de-stemmed and cold-soaked for four days to extract color, followed by two weeks of maceration before fermentation — yielding softer tannins and layered flavors. The vineyards are California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) certified, with a focus on reducing carbon footprint as well as agricultural impact.

89 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“Lush, with aromas of raspberries, baking spices, toasty oak, leading up to a juicy finish with texture.”
— Tonya Pitts. (Vintage 2024). 

Pairs well with: Roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, and soft cheeses.

Grape: Pinot Noir
Region: California Delta Region, United States
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: CSWA Certified Sustainable
Score: 89 pts Wine Enthusiast

French wheat vodka at a price that makes it easy to stock generously. Pinnacle starts with select wheat grain from the Brie region — the same fertile corner of northern France known for its exceptional terroir — five-times distilled to 190 proof, then carefully filtered through charcoal before being brought down to 80 proof with naturally filtered water from northern France. The result is a clean, smooth, and genuinely versatile spirit: neutral enough to disappear into a cocktail, refined enough to sip over ice. The 1.0L format makes it a smart buy for home bars and entertaining alike.

• Base: Wheat grain (Brie region, France)
• Distillation: 5x distilled
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Format: 1.0L
• Country: France

Serving Suggestions

Perfect in martinis, vodka sodas, Moscow mules, or any cocktail where clean spirit is the foundation. Excellent chilled and served neat.

El Pino Club · Funky Jory Pinot Noir 2022 · Dundee Hills, Oregon · 750ml

Funky Jory is a tribute to the deep red Jory soil of Oregon’s Dundee Hills. The supplied winemaker note describes a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir with bright red fruit, forest-floor character, and minerality, offering an Oregon expression with an Old World nod.

Character & Style

James Suckling’s supplied 93-point review highlights lifted cherry, cedar, sandalwood, and hibiscus aromas. Raspberry, violet, tea leaf, and potpourri follow on a light- to medium-bodied palate, with crunchy tannins and bright acidity.

Expert Review

James Suckling · 93 Points
Bright and lifted aromas of cherries, cedar, sandalwood and hibiscus. The palate is light- to medium-bodied with crunchy tannins and bright acidity, giving flavors of raspberries, violets, tea leaves and potpourri. So pretty and floral.

Winemaker Description

Funky Jory is a love letter to the deep red Jory soil that defines the Dundee Hills growing region of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. A lighter body with flavors of forest floor, bright red fruit and a mysterious minerality make this a classically Oregon Pinot with a big nod to the Old World.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly cool and allow a little time in the glass. Try with roast chicken, grilled salmon, duck, or mushroom dishes.

Wine Details

• Brand: El Pino Club
• Wine: Funky Jory
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Dundee Hills
• Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Country: United States
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Supplied rating: James Suckling, 93 points

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Eric Guido writes:  Delicate and understated, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvée opens with a peppery citrus tinge and dusty dried strawberries. It's round and softly textured with pure red berry fruits riding a wave of brisk acidity. An herbal tinge comes forward over time as gently grippy tannins tug at the cheeks and hints of licorice fade.  Drinking 2025 to 2030.  - Vinous 91

Audrey Frick writes:  Medium ruby red-hued, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvee is expressive and elegant on the nose, with notes of red cherries, candied cranberries, roses, fresh spice and herbs, and lifted piney herbs. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless, linear feel, with fine tannins, even acidity, and a clean, tapered finish with a light herbal note. It’s a very charming wine to drink over the next 5-6 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91 

James Suckling writes:  Lemon zest, mushrooms, raspberries and sliced strawberries on the nose. Some rose petal, too. It’s bright and fruity, with a medium body and powdery tannins. Chalky, grainy elements at the end. Better in 2024.  - James Suckling 90

Clive Pursehouse writes:  An early released wine blended from estate sites within the McMinnville and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs. Earthen aromatics of sous bois, moss, and turned garden soils are lifted by a note of bright berries. Ripe raspberry, pomegranate and savoury sumac predominate the palate and are buoyed by mint and wild fennel notes.  Drinking 2023 to 2029.  - Decanter 92

Winemaker Description 

The Grande Cuvée Pinot Noir is made from a collection of family-owned vineyards across the Willamette Valley. This wine has a welcoming nose of cedar-spiced mulberries, hints of garden herb, and candied orange rind.

Ménage à Trois Light Pinot Grigio · California · 2023

Ménage à Trois Light Pinot Grigio offers a California white-wine option at 8% alcohol by volume. This 2023 bottling pairs a lower-alcohol format with a bright, fruit-forward character, in a 750ml bottle.

Citrus and honeysuckle aromas lead into green apple, nectarine and tropical-fruit flavors, ending with a bright finish. Serve chilled with a fresh salad, grilled white fish or a light lemony pasta dish.

Producer tasting note · excerpt

Beautiful aromas of citrus and honeysuckle lead to swirling flavors of green apple, nectarines and tropical fruit that conclude in a bright finish on the palate.

Ménage à Trois · Tasting note from the existing listing

At a glance

• Brand: Ménage à Trois
• Expression: Light Pinot Grigio
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: California, United States
• Grape: Pinot Grigio
• Alcohol: 8% ABV
• Size: 750ml
• Aromas: Citrus and honeysuckle
• Flavors: Green apple, nectarine and tropical fruit
• Serving suggestions: Chilled, with salads, white fish or light pasta

A bright California Pinot Grigio for those seeking a lower-alcohol wine.

Alois Lageder · Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco · Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT · 2025

Founded in 1823 in Magrè, Alto Adige, Alois Lageder is a sixth-generation family winery and one of Italy's leading champions of biodynamic farming. The Terra Alpina line is a collaboration between Lageder and local growers, built to capture the character of the Dolomites, where cool Alpine air meets warm Mediterranean influences and vines root into distinctive dolomitic limestone soils.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant straw yellow in the glass, with fruity aromas of crisp apple and ripe peach. Fermented in stainless steel to keep it fresh and expressive, the 2025 is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, bright citrus and green apple flavors, a delicate thread of minerality, and a fresh, mouth-watering finish.

From the Winery

"Diversity inspires us. It makes for fertile soil, healthier agriculture and more life, ultimately, imparting distinct character to our wines. Why think in black and white when you can think in colour?"
— Alois Lageder

Food Pairings

• Aperitivo and light starters
• Fresh salads and spring vegetables
• All kinds of seafood
• Pasta dishes, especially lighter, herb- or seafood-based sauces
• Serve chilled, 46–50°F

Specs

• Producer: Alois Lageder
• Wine: Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco
• Vintage: 2025
• Country: Italy
• Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
• Appellation: Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
• Grape: 100% Pinot Bianco
• Farming: Organic
• Winemaking: Stainless steel fermentation
• Size: 750 ml

Alpine freshness in a bottle, and one of the most versatile whites on the table.

Hahn Founder's Pinot Noir — Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California 2024

Hahn Family Wines was founded by Nicky Hahn in 1980, when he recognized the extraordinary potential of Monterey County's cool-climate appellations for producing wines of genuine elegance and varietal precision. The Arroyo Seco appellation — a gravelly alluvial plain beneath the Santa Lucia Mountains — is one of California's most distinctive Pinot Noir sites: cool winds funneling in from Monterey Bay ensure gradual, extended ripening and the development of vibrant fruit and natural acidity, while the rocky, well-drained soils enhance intensity and promote balanced ripeness. The Founder's Pinot Noir is Nicky Hahn's personal expression of the appellation — a tribute to the vision that brought Hahn to Monterey and a showcase for everything that makes Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir so compelling at any price.

The nose is vibrant and expressive: red and dark cherry, ripe strawberry, raspberry, and plum, with subtle touches of vanilla, sweet tobacco, and toasted oak. On the palate, silky tannins and excellent acid balance frame flavors of red cherry and raspberry, with a dash of salinity and a hint of earthiness that adds complexity. The finish is long, lingering, and juicy — a classic example of fruit-forward, balanced, supple California Pinot Noir that retains freshness thanks to the cool Monterey climate.

"Vibrant aromas of red and dark cherry, raspberry and plum with subtle touches of vanilla and toasted oak. Silky tannins and excellent acid balance, with notes of earthiness on a long and lingering finish." — Hahn Family Wines, Winemaker

• Producer: Hahn Family Wines, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, USA
• Founder: Nicky Hahn (est. 1980)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, dark cherry, strawberry, raspberry, plum, vanilla, toasted oak, silky tannins, earthy finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward, silky, cool-climate
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, Portobello tacos, roasted beet salad, aged Gouda

Cool-climate Monterey Pinot Noir from one of California's founding estates — Hahn Founder's 2024 is silky, vibrant, and one of the great California Pinots under $20.

Gato Negro | Pinot Grigio | Valle Central, Chile

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — a winery with roots dating back to 1865 and one of the most established names in South American wine. The iconic Black Cat label has built a global following for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at exceptional value.

Valle Central is Chile's heartland wine region, stretching between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, sunny climate and cool Pacific breezes create ideal conditions for fresh, aromatic whites — and Pinot Grigio thrives here, producing wines that are light, delicate, and refreshingly easy to drink.

Gato Negro Pinot Grigio is pale yellow in the glass with a fresh, delicate nose of green apple, white pear, and subtle floral hints. On the palate, light-bodied and crisp with perfectly balanced acidity and a clean, fruity finish. Approachable, versatile, and endlessly easy to enjoy.

Pair with light seafood, sushi, grilled fish, fresh salads, soft cheeses, and antipasti. Serve well chilled.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Light-bodied, fresh, aromatic white
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

With plenty of lovely, rich tannins, this Pinot offers up flavors of dark red fruit, subtle oak and nutmeg-clove spice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points |  A bright and racy pinot with lots of strawberries, raspberries, hibiscus, spices and dried lavender. Tense and agile with a medium body and a crunchy feel to its tannins. Fresh and minerally. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Plush and elegantly structured, this red unfurls raspberry and cherry flavors accented with forest floor, black tea and savory spices as this builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Crisp, mouthwatering acidity is but one of many highlights here. Pretty dried rose-petal and dark raspberry aromas are flanked by a loamy soil note. The flavors are fruit-driven, with raspberry and lemon flavors uniting with tiny bits of sugar cookie and walnut behind a curtain of silky tannins. — Michael Alberty

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir touts all the hallmarks of our storied appellation. It begins with hints of ripe plum skin, ocean air, baking spices, and cocoa powder dustiness on the nose. The palate is just as expressive, with fresh, juicy red fruit backed by graceful tannins, a complex brininess, and a mouth-watering acidity. Finishing with spiced oak and a mouth-coating basalt minerality, this wine is great now and will be for years to come.

Frontera · Central Valley, Chile · NV

Frontera is one of Chile's best-known everyday wine brands, crafted by Concha y Toro — South America's largest and most celebrated wine producer. Sourced from Chile's sun-drenched Central Valley, Frontera Pinot Noir is designed for effortless enjoyment: light, fruit-driven, and approachable at any occasion. The 1.5L Magnum format makes it the perfect companion for gatherings, parties, or simply stocking the fridge with something reliable and delicious.

Light-bodied and smooth, this Pinot Noir opens with aromas of deep dark-red fruits — cherries, plums, and berries — with a soft, rich palate that finishes clean and easy. No fuss, no pretension — just a crowd-pleasing red that fits in anywhere, from a casual backyard cookout to a relaxed evening on the couch.

• Producer: Frontera by Concha y Toro
• Region: Central Valley, Chile
• Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
• Format: 1.5L Magnum
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Tasting Notes: Dark-red fruits, cherries, plums, soft tannins, clean finish
• Food Pairings: Pizza, grilled chicken, charcuterie, casual party fare

Chile's go-to everyday Pinot Noir in a generous Magnum format — drink now.

Discover the Globetrotter's Choice: Trotamundos Pinot Noir

Our Professional Review

The Trotamundos wines are the brainchild of two winemaker friends, César Baeza and Miguel Besoain. The term “Trotamundos” translates to “globetrotter,” and their winemaking philosophy centers on creating wines with a global perspective, incorporating what they have learned while traveling throughout the wine world to craft unique expressions.

I recently tasted the Trotamundos Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Leyda Valley 2023 and was extremely pleased with its quality and value. This is a Pinot Noir that delivers exceptional drinkability without compromising quality. Sourced from the cool climate of Chile’s Leyda Valley, it showcases bright aromas and flavors of wild red berries—raspberries and strawberries—with a subtle hint of blue fruit as well.

On the palate, the wine is well structured, with vibrant red berry fruit, well-integrated acidity, and mild tannins that lead to effortless drinkability. A stony minerality adds depth and naturally complements the fruit profile. The finish is clean and refreshing, with bright, palate-cleansing acidity.

This wine is very food-friendly. I suggest pairing it with Latin-inspired dishes, grilled skirt steak, or crab-stuffed cannelloni.

Oscar Garcia Moncada

Winemaker Description 

Light-red color with a slight orange tint. Raspberries and cream on the nose, smooth in the mouth with a burst of juicy mixed berries, blood orange, and a tangy aftertaste.

Memo Summary Notes

The Trotamundos Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2023 is a cool-climate red from Chile’s Leyda Valley, a region highly regarded for producing elegant, coastal-influenced wines. This particular label is a collaboration between winemakers César Baeza and Miguel Besoaín.

The Leyda Valley is situated just 12km from the Pacific Ocean. The 2023 season benefited from the Humboldt Current, which provides cool sea breezes and morning mists. This ensures a slow ripening process, allowing the Pinot Noir grapes to maintain high natural acidity and develop complex aromatic profiles

This wine’s balance of fruit and earthiness makes it quite versatile:

• Poultry: Roasted chicken with herbs de Provence or duck breast.

• Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto or earthy lentil stews.

• Seafood: Grilled salmon or seared tuna, thanks to its bright acidity.

An Exquisite Pinot Noir Experience

Trotamundos Pinot Noir Single Vineyard DO Leyda Valley 2023 is a true masterpiece for wine enthusiasts and globetrotters alike. With its vibrant ruby color and enticing aromas of red berries, this wine captures the essence of its origin. The Leyda Valley is known for its unique climate, which allows the grapes to thrive, resulting in a wine that is both refreshing and complex. So, if you're looking to indulge your palate, this Pinot Noir should be at the top of your list.

A Perfect Pairing for Every Meal

This elegant red wine is not just for special occasions; it can enhance any meal. Whether you’re enjoying a grilled salmon or a mushroom risotto, Trotamundos Pinot Noir complements a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for your dining table. Its well-balanced acidity and smooth finish make it easy to drink and enjoy. Therefore, keep a bottle handy for your future culinary adventures!

Embrace Your Inner Globetrotter

With each sip of Trotamundos Pinot Noir, you journey to the beautiful landscapes of the Leyda Valley. This wine is crafted for those who appreciate quality and seek to explore different flavors. It invites you to embrace your inner globetrotter, allowing you to discover new experiences from the comfort of your home. Because of its rich flavor profile and exceptional quality, this Pinot Noir is sure to impress your friends and family, making every gathering memorable.

Winemaker Description

Considered the pinnacle of Burgundy, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti produces some of the world’s most revered wines from its tiny vineyards in Vosne-Romanee. Grands-Echezeaux, is a Grand Cru vineyard yielding sublime wines that are among the most highly-sought, seductive and rarest in the world.

The 2020 Grands Échézeaux is full-bodied, ample and fleshy with an abundance of powdery tannins and succulent acids. The luscious palate presents strawberry, cherry, leather, earth, mushroom, mint, a touch of spice, oak, and refreshing minerality.

Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Superiore — DOCG NV

Villa Sandi is one of the Veneto’s most celebrated sparkling wine estates, and their Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG represents the pinnacle of the category. Asolo is Italy’s highest-quality tier of Prosecco — a hillside DOCG appellation with strict quality standards that sets it firmly apart from standard Prosecco DOC. Crafted from carefully selected Glera grapes grown on the prestigious Asolo hillsides, this is mineral-driven, elegant, and endlessly food-friendly sparkling wine. The Tasting Panel awarded it 91 points.

The nose is intense and inviting: honeydew, ripe pear, honeysuckle, and banana with a fine, persistent perlage. On the palate, it is glossy and fleshy — poached pear, preserved lemon, sliced almond, and a touch of smoke — finishing clean and bright with lemon sorbet, peach, and a slight herbaceous lift.

🇮🇹 The Tasting Panel 91 — “This one’s got vivacity to spare. Intense scents of honeydew and ripe pear mingle with honeysuckle and banana before descending on a glossy, fleshy palate that finishes clean and bright with lemon sorbet, peach, and a slight herbaceousness.”

• Producer: Villa Sandi, Asolo, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: NV
• Appellation: Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Grape: Glera
• Style: Extra Dry / Brut Sparkling (Charmat method)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Honeydew, ripe pear, honeysuckle, banana, poached pear, preserved lemon, almond, lemon sorbet, peach
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, grilled shrimp, light seafood pasta, fried appetizers, charcuterie, cream-sauced pastas, risotto

Mineral-driven, vivacious, and unmistakably Asolo — Villa Sandi’s Prosecco Superiore is Italy’s hillside sparkling at its most elegant.

The Prisoner Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast | 2022 | 750ml | California, USA

Redefining taste once again, this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a masterful blend from two of California's most celebrated AVAs — Russian River Valley and Petaluma Gap. Russian River's diverse terroir contributes a wide range of styles, while the cool, foggy climate of the Petaluma Gap lends a distinctive coastal minerality.

• Winery: The Prisoner Wine Company
• Origin: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2022
• AVAs: Russian River Valley & Petaluma Gap

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Ripe cranberry and dried black cherry with early floral notes and hints of mocha, chai, and leather
• Palate: Luxurious mouthfeel with juicy black cherry and spice at midpalate
• Finish: Lengthy and complex with notes of cardamom and clove