Top Pinot Noir Bargain in the Building

2022 Norris "Norris McKinley Estate" Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir (Elsewhere $55) $19.95

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 15, 2025

Lovely aromas of dried rose petal, sandalwood, dusty earth, red berries, baking spice. On the palate the wine is fine grained, with crunchy red fruits, earthy spice tones, agar wood, hints of star anise. The tannins are fine but give nice grip to the palate elevation this wine above just a charming easy drinker into a bottle that has great food pairing options, and definite potential to see some positive development with a few years in the cellar. Fantastic length on that palate and the fruit, spice and earth all vie for the final word. A beautiful and classical expression of this rarified Ribbon Ridge terroir for a price point that is practically unheard of. Once again, this beauty from Norris is set to be a big hit here at K&L! 

Mariah Mier | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2025

This generously layered pinot is a deep maroon gem of crystal clarity. The medium body and slight minerality is balanced by a tartness that lingers alongside a black peppercorn note on the finish. A touch of graphite on the nose gives way to rich black cherry on the palate. In contrast to the brighter, fresher pinot noir I turn to for a casual dinner, this offering is unexpectedly dramatic and luxurious for the price point.

Michael Benoit | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2025

A classic expression of Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir at $19.99? It's true! This wine has a beautiful nose full of ripe red cherries and forest underbrush. It is medium-bodied, with focused acidity and gentle, fine-grained tannins. Crunchy red fruit flavors are underscored with hints of cinnamon and black pepper. A perfect marriage of freshness and depth, this is an outstanding value for Pinot of this caliber and sure to go quick!

Alexandre Tweedie | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2025

Hailing from the *tiniest* AVA in Oregon, Norris's '22 bottling of Ribon Ridge pinot noir shows off the purity of fruit and minerality that this unique region has to offer - sweet earthen tones of moss and myrtle circle the glass, while black cherries and pomegranate zest enliven the nose with touches of fresh fruit and spice. Throughout this wines lengthy and winding finish, the palate balances fresh fruits and earthy savor dexterously, slowing fading and transitioning from fresh cherries and violets to dried cranberries and toasted moss . A stellar bottle of AVA specific style, at an even more stellar price!

Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2025

Pretty nose that opens with soft and juicy red fruits - cranberry, pomegranate and once a little air works its way in, dried red cherry. The palate has just a little bit of crunch with more cranberry and loads of beautifully dense cherry going from fresh to dried and back again with each sip, all complimented with hints of spice and vanilla on the lingering finish. This would be absolutely tremendous with duck or a saucy barbecue.