Tasting: Trader Joe’s Pinot Noir
🍷 Blind Wine Tasting Recap
Trader Joe’s Pinot Noir Challenge (Under $10)
Participants: Lynn & Scott 👩❤️👨
Date: January 19, 2026 (MLK Weekend) 🇺🇸
Theme: Trader Joe’s Pinot Noirs priced below $10 🛒
🍇 Introducing the Varietal: Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most expressive—and temperamental—red grape varieties. Thin-skinned and highly sensitive to climate, it rewards careful winemaking with elegance rather than power.
🌸 Common Pinot Noir Characteristics
Aromas: Cherry 🍒, raspberry 🍓, strawberry, rose 🌹, forest floor 🍂, mushroom 🍄, light vanilla
Flavors: Red fruits, cranberry, subtle spice, earthy notes, gentle oak
Structure: Light to medium body, soft tannins, bright acidity, smooth finish
🌍 Regional Expression Snapshot
Willamette Valley, Oregon: Elegant, restrained, bright acidity, red fruit & earth 🍂
California (Central Coast & Napa): Riper fruit, darker color, plusher mouthfeel, sometimes sweeter spice 🍒🍓
Burgundy, France: Earth-forward, mineral-driven, savory
New Zealand: Vibrant fruit, higher acidity, very aromatic
This tasting highlighted California vs. Oregon expressions, with California wines showing darker fruit and richness, while Oregon leaned more classic and restrained.
🅰️ Wine A (1)
Petiole Pinot Noir 2024
📍 Dundee, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
📅 Vintage: 2024
💲 Price: $9.99
🛒 Purchased at: Trader Joe’s
👃 Tasting Notes:
Cherry, raspberry 🍒🍓
Hints of chocolate and licorice
Light vanilla, mild aromatics
👅 Palate:
Dry, slightly acidic
Simple flavor profile
Short finish with a mild alcohol warmth
⭐ Scores:
Lynn: 14
Scott: 10
Combined: 24
🛍️ Buy Again?
Lynn: ✅ Yes – would bring to a party
Scott: ❌ No
🅱️ Wine B (2)
Moon X “Black” Pinot Noir 2023
📍 Manteca, California, USA
📅 Vintage: 2023
💲 Price: $6.99
🛒 Purchased at: Trader Joe’s
👃 Tasting Notes:
Deep cherry, dark plum 🍒🍷
Forest floor, wet leaves 🍂
Earthy and expressive
👅 Palate:
Soft, smooth mouthfeel
Dark fruit-forward
Balanced, pleasant, shorter but clean finish
⭐ Scores:
Lynn: 16
Scott: 13
Combined: 29
🛍️ Buy Again?
Lynn: ✅ Yes – personal enjoyment at home
Scott: ✅ Yes – would bring to a party
🅲 Wine C (3)
Caretaker Pinot Noir 2023
📍 Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California, USA
📅 Vintage: 2023
💲 Price: $9.99
🛒 Purchased at: Trader Joe’s
👃 Tasting Notes:
Cotton candy 🍬
Light licorice
Subtle leather
👅 Palate:
Tangy, sharp acidity
Thin structure
Flavor matched aroma—but not pleasantly
⭐ Scores:
Lynn: 8
Scott: 10
Combined: 18
🛍️ Buy Again?
Lynn: ❌ No
Scott: ❌ No
🅳 Wine D (4)
Cherry Blossom Pinot Noir 2023
📍 Napa Valley, California, USA
📅 Vintage: 2023
💲 Price: $5.49
🛒 Purchased at: Trader Joe’s
👃 Tasting Notes:
Floral bouquet 🌸
Sweet taffy, vanilla
Elegant and inviting
👅 Palate:
Well-balanced fruit 🍓🍒
Smooth acidity
Soft, classic Pinot finish
⭐ Scores:
Lynn: 13
Scott: 16
Combined: 29
🛍️ Buy Again?
Lynn: ✅ Yes – would bring to a party
Scott: ✅ Yes – standout wine of the tasting
🏆 Winning Wines & Final Verdict
🥇 TIE FOR HIGHEST SCORE (29 Points)
Moon X Black Pinot Noir 2023
Cherry Blossom Pinot Noir 2023
⭐ Best Overall Value Winner
🥇 Cherry Blossom Pinot Noir 2023
Why it Won:
Lowest price of the night 💰
Most balanced and elegant expression 🌸
Crowd favorite—nearly sold out at the store 🛒
True Pinot Noir character without overpowering flavors
Final Takeaway:
Two excellent Pinot Noirs under $10 🍷—but Cherry Blossom delivered exceptional value, balance, and drinkability, making it the must-buy bottle from this tasting.
