From a revenue perspective, a strong Pinot Noir selection will boost sales. By offering a range of Pinot price points and styles restaurants will appeal to different customer segments, encouraging both casual and celebratory purchases. We survey the best Pinot Noirs of 2024 for restaurant wine programs.

Including a good selection of Pinot Noir on a restaurant's wine list is crucial due to its versatility and appeal across a wide range of diners. We have, therefore, curated eight top Pinot Noirs for 2024 wine lists based on judging at the London Wine Competition.  

Pinot Noir's light to medium body, bright acidity, and complex flavor profile make it an excellent pairing for a variety of dishes, from poultry and pork to vegetarian and seafood options. This adaptability allows it to complement diverse menu items, enhancing the overall dining experience and increasing customer satisfaction. A well-curated Pinot Noir selection can cater to both novice wine drinkers and connoisseurs, making it a valuable addition to any wine list. 

From a business perspective, a strong Pinot Noir selection can significantly boost sales and profits. By offering a range of price points and styles—from affordable, approachable options to premium, high-end bottles—restaurants can appeal to different customer segments, encouraging both casual and celebratory purchases. Highlighting unique or rare Pinot Noirs, particularly those from renowned regions like France, the U.S.A., and Australia, can attract wine enthusiasts looking for special experiences, who often are willing to spend more. Unusual Pinots from Italy or Argentina make for great and memorable storytelling with clients.

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Indeed, training staff to effectively recommend and upsell Pinot Noir by suggesting food pairings and sharing engaging stories about the wine's origin can enhance the dining experience and drive higher sales. Ultimately, a thoughtfully chosen Pinot Noir selection not only enriches the wine list but also promotes customer engagement and repeat business.

Top Pinot Noirs of 2024:

1. Landmark 2022 Grand Detour Pinot Noir

Score: 96

Producer: Landmark Vineyards, USA

Tasting Notes: A nose of redcurrant and strawberries. Intense flavors of red and morello cherry with a good balance of vibrant acidity and concentration of flavours.

2. 2022 Corton Grand Cru Les Maréchaudes

Score: 95

Producer: Domaine du Château de Meursault, France

Tasting Notes: Intense and elegant aromas on the first whiff. The palate boasts flavors of berries, cherry, strawberry, and oak; well integrated. The palate is dry, with smooth tannins, and a long and complex finish.

3. Violet Vines 2021 Estate Pinot Noir

Score: 92

Producer: Violet Vines, USA

Tasting Notes: Medium purple appearance. Intensely aromatic on the nose with blueberry and raspberry notes. Dry red wine with good complexity, and intense red cherry and strawberry flavors. Great expression of terroir and the grape itself.

4. 2021 Estate Pinot Noir

Score: 92

Producer: Levantine Hill Estate, Australia

Tasting Notes: Well-balanced, with high acidity, expressing minerality, strawberry, and cherry notes. Complex, elegant wine, with tertiary aromas like earth, leather, and forest floor; good length.

5. 2022 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Score: 91

Producer: Stoller Family Estate, USA

Tasting Notes: With a bright purple appearance, the nose gives fresh red fruits such as red cherry and raspberry with a hint of spice. Light-bodied, dry, with soft tannins on the palate. Good length and complexity.

6. 2021 Sarnero

Score: 90

Producer: Torre Bisenzio, Italy

Tasting Notes: Red fruit aromas of cherry and strawberry waft from the glass. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, raspberry, red currant and blackcurrant. This medium-bodied wine has a medium finish.

7. 2022 Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Noir

Score: 89

Producer: Monalto, Australia

Tasting Notes: On the nose, the fruit is ripe with good concentration. On the palate, guests will find cherry, strawberry herbal notes of dried lavender, and eucalyptus with a touch of oak. Smooth tannins with a long finish.

8. 2020 Colleen's Paddock Pinot Noir

Score: 89

Producer: Levantine Hill Estate, Australia

Tasting Notes: This wine gives a very pronounced impression on the nose and palate, featuring high acidity and minerality. A fresh, aromatic, vibrant, and energetic wine with a long and persistent aroma of cherry and strawberry. Very good quality.

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Somms and wine directors: be on the lookout for great Pinot Noir. In the final analysis, incorporating a well-chosen selection into your restaurant's wine program is a strategic move to enhance revenue. 

The eight best Pinot Noirs of 2024, highlighted here and judged at the London Wine Competition, exemplify the variety and quality that will elevate any wine list. From the elegance of French Grand Cru to the vibrant expressions from the U.S.A. and Australia, these wines not only cater to diverse palates but also offer compelling stories that can engage and delight diners.  

By offering these exceptional Pinot Noirs, restaurants can enhance the dining experience, drive sales, and build a loyal customer base eager to return for more unique wine experiences.