Wine Each Week: Scott Family Estate 2017 Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir, Monterey

I am always impressed when I can find an outstanding Pinot Noir at $25 or less, and this little gem is a great surprise. Not only is this truly indicative of its Monterey roots but it also has a great viscosity. Coming from a cooler portion of Monterey this offers up what you want in your Pinot, namely strawberry, red raspberry, black cherry, with back notes of pomegranate, plum, lavender and slight sweet vanilla. The acidity and tannins are in line and what you get is a wonderfully drinkable wine that can showcase itself with a variety of foods. It also has that lively balance between great fruit and something a little deeper in terms of structure. If you are a fan of Pinot, as I am, you know that the majority of them are pricey to absurdly expensive. This is really a Pinot for the people one that is within reach budget wise yet still offers classic Pinot power. Aged with a combination of French and American oak for just 10 months, this captures the essence of Monterey Pinot Noir.

ORIGIN: Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California

ALCOHOL: 14.7%

PRICE: $25/ 750ML

SCORE: 90 POINTS

RUTHERFORD WINECOMPANY

Wine Each Week: 2016 Ranch 32 Pinot Noir

Coming out of Monterey, California on the Western side of the Salinas Valley, this Pinot Noir, named for the ranch it’s grown on in the Arroyo Seco AVA is a terrific value priced Pinot Noir at $19.99. It offers red raspberry, pomegranate, strawberry, black pepper, Bing cherry with back notes of lavender and sweet vanilla. Aged 12 months in nothing nut French oak barrels (a mere 35% of those barrels were new), it reflects an earthy, mineral quality without giving into an abundance of oak. Straightforward with softer tannins and a bright acidity, it’s one of those $20 Pinot's that’s actually worth it.

ORIGIN: Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California

PRICE: $19.99/ 750ML

ALCOHOL: 13.5%

www.ranch32wines.com