The Copilot Carneros Napa Pinot Noir 2023 is available exclusively at Trader Joe’s for $7.99. Trader Joe’s also offers a $7.99 Copilot Carneros Chardonnay with the same origin story. For information on the folks who are involved with that wine, check out that review.
The Story
The Carneros AVA is located in both Sonoma and Napa, and its southern border is close to the San Pablo Bay on the inside of Oakland, California. Most of the wineries are in the Napa side, and Trader Joe’s Fearless Flayer says the grapes for the Copilot Carneros Napa Pinot Noir 2023 come from a single vineyard on the Napa side.
Carneros AVA Pinot Noirs are typically expensive (unless you are buying from Costco, Aldi, or Trader Joe’s), prices can easily average $30 to $50, with many wines priced higher. A $7.99 price tag is unusual.
This Pinot Noir was aged in French oak barrels, which is another detail that is seldom seen in a sub-$8 Pinot Noir. French oak is preferred since it is subtle and more controlled in releasing its influence into the wine.
A single Carneros Napa vineyard and French oak barrels don’t often make the production list when planning to produce a $7.99 wine of any sort.
The alcohol content is balanced for today’s climate conditions, 13.5%.
The Copilot Carneros Napa Pinot Noir 2023 Tasting Notes
The color is a see-through cranberry red with black highlights. The nose is red berries, a slap of interesting spice, herbs, a savory note, and mushrooms. The Copilot Carneros Napa Pinot Noir 2023 is lighter-bodied with subtle flavors and textures.
This Pinot Noir tastes like ripe cherry, black pepper, licorice, orange zest, tart cranberry, jammy raspberry, cooking spice, and a hint of vanilla.
The tannins are sweet, and the acidity is balanced.
The Summary
- The Copilot Carneros Napa Pinot Noir 2023 is a bargain at $7.99.
- It is a well-made wine, which may be too subtle for some, but it brings quality for the price.
- It has an excellent balance of fruit and spice.
