J. Lohr Vineyards Pinot Noir

J. Lohr Vineyards Pinot Noir, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco, California. WER Scores of 93 (Excellent Highly recommended).- www.wineenthusiast.com. This widely available bottling should satisfy most people’s desires in a domestic Pinot Noir. Boisterous aromas of pomegranate, cherry compote, toasted sage and bay leaf combine the fruit with the earth. The palate is joyous in black cherry-cola flavors, as a bright acidity and peppery spice fires up the finish. — Matt Kettmann, 3/1/2024

Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco appellation has proved ideal for growing layered, complex Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Brisk winds and fog off Monterey Bay, stony, well-drained soils, and a lack of damaging fall rains all combine to produce grapes with trademark fruit intensity and balancing acidity.