Pinot Deals for Summer

In my book, one of the best reds for summer is Pinot Noir—a variety that’s rich in flavor but not heavy on the palate. Pinots lean into cherry, strawberry and raspberry flavors, but those fruits never come across as baked, candied, or jammy. Instead, top Pinot has a fresh, ethereal quality and sometimes a subtle earthiness or spiciness. And since Pinot Noir is a low-tannin grape, it should be silky, never astringent or drying. Here are three great (94 Points +) California Pinot DEALS, all under $8 a glass/ $40 a bottle.

• SIDURI Pinot Noir 2022 (Russian River Valley). Cherries as silk. Long, delicate, and beautifully made.
• LA CREMA Pinot Noir 2022 (Anderson Valley). Wild strawberries and just picked crunchy cherries. Touches of spice. Gentle, very fine and silky.
• POST & BEAM Pinot Noir 2024 (Sonoma Coast). Beautiful loam and red fruit flavors. Lots of energy. Finely textured.