Is this the Best $20 Pinot Noir on the Market?

Ever on the hunt for an outstanding readily available $20 Pinot Noir, this one has somehow managed to fly under the radar after a 92 point rating from James Molesworth at Wine Spectator in September.

What I like about it is how it's readily available for around $20 before discounts, and more balanced and versatile than some of the bruisers coming out of California in this category.

2022 Chalk Hill Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% Alcohol

16,760 Cases Produced

$29 Release Price

Beautiful translucent ruby red in the glass, the somewhat-high alcohol level makes it cling to the glass and provides heft to this otherwise elegant domestic Pinot Noir.

Ripe strawberries and dusty briar patch on the nose giving way to a clean but satisfying palate-flooding experience. No heat to speak of as the finish lingers.

Varietally correct in every way. The only thing standing in the way of true greatness here is the [very] occassional aromatic off note.

91/100 WWP: Oustanding

Wine.com has it for $19.99 (affiliate link) and although they haven't been running the promo codes as reliably lately it's indicative of how affordable this wine can be.

There's even a $24 mail-in rebate available when purchasing 12 bottles.

Prefer a bolder California Pinot Noir? 

See: Five Fruit-Forward Pinot Noirs (besides Meiomi)