Best Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs: From Affordable to Premium!

Last Updated - 3/23/23

The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California, is renowned for producing some of the world’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. With its unique combination of cool climate, diverse topography, and volcanic soil, the region is home to over 70 wineries producing a range of exceptional wines. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose which ones to try.

So in this article, we have curated a list of the 20 best Russian River Valley wines, ranging from affordable to premium, to help you explore and experience the best that this world-class wine region has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of wine, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy.

20 Best Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Wines

Premium Pinot Noirs

1) Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2020
ABV: 13.9%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cherry, raspberry, strawberry, earth, vanilla, smoke, and oak
Cost: $130

Williams Selyem wines have established a well-deserved reputation of excellence, catapulting the Russian River Valley to unparalleled distinction as one of the premier wine regions globally. In 2009, the 1st Pinot Noir from the US received an unprecedented perfect score of 100 points from Wine Enthusiast!

This exquisite wine features an intricate array of flavors, including cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruits as well as cola and subtle earthy notes. Also, vanilla, oak and some minerality add to the complexity of the wine.

2) J. Rochioli Estate Grown Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2020
ABV: 14.5%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Blackberry, cherry, strawberry, earth, smoke, and vanilla
Cost: $85 – $100

Another fantastic, premium world-class winery, this wine is a great representation of the Russian River Valley.

Because it exhibits aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherry, strawberry and raspberries along with earthy notes and a hint of smoke and toasted oak that gives it terrific complexity.

3) Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 14.1%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Red cherry, raspberry, violet, dark chocolate, baking spice, and oak
Cost: $110 – $120

Kosta Browne is one of the most iconic wineries and premium producers in the region. And its all because of their Pinot Noirs!

Another excellent expression of Pinot Noir, it features intense aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry, violet and dark chocolate that are accented by baking spices and sweet oak notes. A great example of top-of-the-line Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

4) Kistler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 13.9%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Black cherry, plum, strawberry, earth, herbs, and dried flowers
Cost: $80 – $100

Another very well-known Sonoma winery, Kistler’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is another great wine in their lineup.

This wine is full of complex aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum, strawberry and earth with some herbal and dried flower notes. Delicious now but can easily be cellared for another 5 years or so.

5) DuMOL Wester Reach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2020
ABV: 13.8%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cranberries, black cherry, raspberry, plum, black tea, spice, and tobacco
Cost: $80 – $90

DuMOL Wester Reach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is highly rated year after year. On the nose, it offers aromas of cranberries, black cherry and raspberry with some underlying plum and black tea notes.

The palate is full bodied and complex with additional flavor components like spice, tobacco, and earth. A very enjoyable Pinot Noir that pairs nicely with a variety of dishes.

6) Fantesca Estate King Richard's Reserve Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 14.2%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cherry, plum, rose petals, baking spices, and oak
Cost: $100 – $120

Fantesca is a boutique winery that produces some of the finest quality wines in the Russian River Valley. This particular Pinot Noir blend has intense aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, rose petals and baking spices.

On the palate, you’ll discover those aroma of dark fruits as well as a hint of oak and earthy undertones. Finally, this wine pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled and roasted meats, game, and rich, creamy cheeses.

7) Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2020
ABV: 14.3%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Red cherry, raspberry, plum, cola, black licorice, tobacco, and oak
Cost: $60 – $70

Paul Hobbs a renowned winemaker who is known for his attention to detail and his commitment to quality. As a result this winery produces some of the best wines in the Russian River Valley.

Including this delicious Pinot Noir that starts off with intriguing aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry and plum along with cola, black licorice, tobacco and a hint of oak. The well-structured palate provides a smooth texture that makes this an easy drinking wine with a long finish.

8) Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2018
ABV: 14.5%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Bing cherries, pomegranate, blackberries, baking spices, earth and mocha
Cost: $100

Merry Edwards is a winery that specializes in producing single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and they do an excellent job at it. And this particular wine is made from grapes grown on the Olivet Lane vineyard, which is known for its excellent soil and ideal climate. This particular wine from their Olivet Lane vineyards showcases the best of what the Russian River Valley has to offer.

On the nose, you get plush aromas of bing cherries, pomegranate, blackberries, baking spices and earth. On the palate, you’ll discover flavors of mocha along with the dark fruits and a smooth velvety texture. This is truly a special wine that pairs wonderfully with steaks, roasted meats and stews.

9) Walter Hansel The North Slope Vineyard Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 14.5%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cherry, baked plum, black raspberry, baking spices, and earth
Cost: $55 – $65

Another famous winery from the regions, Walter Hansel produces some exceptional Pinot Noirs. This particular wine comes from the North Slope Vineyard, which is located in a cool atmosphere that allows for slower maturation of the grapes, resulting in more concentrated and fruit driven flavors.

The wine exhibits an impressive array of fruit aromas of cherry, baked plum, and black raspberry along with baking spices. Then on the palate you’ll taste dark fruits with undertones of earth and leather as well as a nice balance between acidity and tannins.

10) Walt Bob's Ranch Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 14.7%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Blackberry, blueberry, cherry, tobacco, black tea, and oak
Cost: $90

Walt is a popular winery that produces many Pinot Noirs in many different wine regions. But this Pinot Noir is a perfect example of why this winery has received so much acclaim.

This full-bodied and elegant wine showcases aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, cherry, tobacco and black tea. There are also hints of oak that add to the complexity of this wine. On the palate, you’ll experience a racy acidity with a long finish that lingers on the tastebuds.

For those looking for good value, exceptional Pinot Noirs, Walt has many other affordable Pinot Noir options from other regions in California.

11) EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 14.5%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cherry cola, blackberry, plum, pepper, spice, and earth
Cost: $55 – $60

The wine offers a fragrant bouquet of blackberry, plum and pepper, which is then followed by notes of spice and earth. Then the palate reveals a rich and concentrated taste of dark fruits, cherry cola, and spices.

Also the wine has a velvety texture, firm tannins, and bright acidity. With its impressive complexity and finesse, EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir is a perfect match for roasted duck, lamb chops, or mushroom risotto.

12) Landmark Vineyards Hop Kiln Estate Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2018
ABV: 14.5%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cherry, black fruits, spice, cinnamon, oak, vanilla, and cola
Cost: $40 – $50

Landmark Vineyards is known for their good value Pinot Noir wines. And this Hop Kiln Estate Pinot Noir is more towards their premier option.

So this wine showcases a ripe and juicy nose full of aromas of cherry, black fruits, cinnamon, and oak. Then you’ll taste more dark fruit flavors along with cola and a touch of leather, vanilla, and spices. Just another fantastic Pinot Noir produced by a respected winery.

Affordable Pinot Noirs

13) Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyards

Vintage: 2021
ABV: 14.8%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Dark chocolate, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, and cinnamon
Cost: $30 – $40

From the Wagner family of wine, Belle Glos produces another special Pinot Noir. This wine has a nice combination of dark chocolate, blackberry, and black cherry aromas. Then the palate reveals raspberries, plum, and cinnamon with a velvety texture that’s balanced by its juicy acidity. An amazing value for such a fine quality Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley.

14) La Crema Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 14.5%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Black cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry jam, vanilla, and oak
Cost: $40

One of the largest producers of Pinot Noir in California, La Crema is known for great value Pinot Noirs. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of black cherry, plum, and raspberry. Then on the palate you’ll experience flavors of ripe raspberries, blackberry jam, sweet vanilla and oak spice. The tannins are silky and the acidity is just right.

15) Böen Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (Most Affordable)

Vintage: 2021
ABV: 14.8%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Strawberry, cherry, vanilla, chocolate, and toasted oak
Cost: $22 – $30

Böen is a brand that has become well-known for their good quality Pinot Noir at an affordable price. For this wine, you’ll find fragrances of strawberry, cherry, and a hint of vanilla. Then on the palate, tastes of fresh raspberries and wild strawberries as well as creamy chocolate, toasted oak, and spices. Despite its low price tag, this Pinot Noir offers a delicious drinking experience.

16) Joseph Swan Vineyards Cuvée de Trois Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2017
ABV: 13.1%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Red fruits, forest floor, earth, vanilla, flowers, and oak
Cost: $35 – $45

Joseph Swan Vineyard is a well-known producer of Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley. Their Cuvée de Trois Pinot Noir can be enjoyed by both Pinot Noir beginners and lovers alike.

On the nose, you’ll find aromas of red fruits and earthy notes of forest floor and flowers. Then on the palate, enjoy more red fruits and cherry cola along with vanilla and oak flavors. Also, it has good acidity that’s balanced by its silky tannins. A great pick for those wanting to explore different Pinot Noirs at an affordable price.

17) MacMurray Reserve Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2018
ABV: 14%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Strawberry, cherry, earth, vanilla, leather, tobacco, and oak
Cost: $40 – $45

This good value Reserve Pinot Noir has strawberry and cherry aromas along with earthiness, vanilla and spice on the nose. Then on the palate you’ll find raspberries and strawberries combined with leather, tobacco, and oak. Plus the tannins are soft and the acidity is balanced, making it a great choice for enjoying any time of day.

18) J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 14.3%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Plum, cherry, blackberry, strawberry, spice, and cola
Cost: $40

Typically this winery is known for their crisp sparkling wines, but show they can make some great Pinot Noir. And this is the perfect example.

On the nose, you’ll find aromas of ripe plum, cherry, and blackberry with hints of strawberry. Then on the palate you’ll experience cherries, blackberries, spice, and cola flavors that are well balanced by its medium tannins and acidity.

19) Balletto Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2019
ABV: 13.9%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cherry, strawberry, earth, vanilla, and oak
Cost: $30

Balletto is a family-owned and operated winery that focuses on producing Pinot Noir in the Sonoma wine region. This their flagship Pinot Noir has vibrant aromas of cherries, raspberries, and earth. On the palate you’ll find more of those same fruit flavors as well as vanilla and oak notes.

20) Synthesis Pinot Noir

Vintage: 2020
ABV: 14.2%
Wine Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma
Tasting Profile: Cherry, cranberry, earth, vanilla, cola, chocolate, and oak
Cost: $40

So for this wine, you’ll find aromas of cherry and cranberry with hints of earthiness. Then on the palate enjoy more cherries, raspberries, and cranberry flavors as well as a hint of vanilla, cola, chocolate, and oak.

Where is the Russian River Valley located?

The Russian River Valley wine region is located in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. It is situated to the west of the city of Santa Rosa (~50 miles North of San Francisco) and extends from the Pacific Ocean to the Mayacamas Mountains.

The Russian River itself runs through the valley and plays a crucial role in the region’s grape-growing and winemaking. As for the Russian River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), it was officially established in 1983. And is now home to over 200 wineries, most of which specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Why is Russian River Valley Known for Producing Pinot Noir?

The Russian River Valley is known for producing exceptional Pinot Noir due to its unique climate and geography. Here are some reasons why:

Cool Climate: The Russian River Valley’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean means that it experiences cool, foggy mornings and evenings, which help to moderate the temperature during the day. This cool climate is perfect for growing Pinot Noir, which thrives in cooler temperatures.
Marine Influence: The cool ocean breeze brings with it marine influence that creates a microclimate in the region, with lower daytime temperatures and a longer growing season. The breeze also keeps the grapes dry, reducing the risk of disease and rot.
Soil: The region’s soil is a mix of alluvial deposits and volcanic ash. This mixture creates a unique and complex flavor profile in the Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in wines with depth and complexity.
Topography: The region’s hills and valleys create diverse growing conditions that can vary greatly from one vineyard to the next. This diversity allows winemakers to experiment with different styles and techniques, resulting in a range of unique and distinctive Pinot Noirs.

Why is Russian River Valley so Popular?

High-Quality Wines: The region is known for producing high-quality wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The cool climate and unique soil composition create ideal growing conditions for these grape varieties, resulting in wines with complex flavor profiles and excellent aging potential.
Scenic Beauty: The Russian River Valley is a beautiful and scenic region with rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and the meandering Russian River. It offers visitors stunning views and a peaceful ambiance, making it a popular destination for wine tasting and relaxation.
Proximity to San Francisco: The Russian River Valley wine region is located just a short drive from San Francisco, making it easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways for both locals and tourists.
Culinary Scene: The region also boasts a thriving culinary scene, with many restaurants and cafes offering farm-to-table cuisine using local ingredients. The wine and food pairing options in the region are also exceptional, providing a complete sensory experience for visitors.

Other Pinot Noir Wine Regions

Burgundy, France: Burgundy is considered the birthplace of Pinot Noir and is known for producing some of the most complex and elegant Pinot Noir wines in the world. The subregions of Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vosne-Romanée are particularly famous for their Pinot Noir wines.
Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA: Willamette Valley is a cool climate region in Oregon, known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir wines in the United States. The region has a reputation for producing wines that are lighter in body and fruitier in flavor.
Sonoma Coast, California, USA: Sonoma Coast is a cool-climate region in California that produces high-quality Pinot Noir wines. The region is known for its foggy mornings and cool evenings, which create ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir.
Marlborough, New Zealand: Marlborough is a region on the South Island of New Zealand that is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc wines, but it also produces some excellent Pinot Noir. The wines from Marlborough are known for their bright fruit flavors and balanced acidity.
Yarra Valley, Australia: Yarra Valley is a cool-climate region in Australia that is known for producing elegant Pinot Noir wines. The region’s wines are known for their vibrant fruit flavors and silky tannins.

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