A contender for the best sub-$20 Pinot in the world, the 2023 Saurus Select Pinot Noir is absolutely delicious this vintage.
The critics agreed, as Vinous Media said it was "elegant, intense, and exceptionally well-crafted," rating it 92 points. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate chimed in too, saying the "2023 Saurus Select Pinot Noir is ripe, rich and red-fruited on the nose, which introduces a lush, ripe and opulent palate."
Every time I sell a bottle of this, I tell customers that Patagonia is the new frontier for Pinot Noir. They kind of look at me funny, but I'd say about 90% of them come back and buy more. I had a bottle of this last weekend, and I was blown away by the quality-to-price ratio. I promptly bought my supplier's last 10 cases and put it on deep deal.
Buy a Solid Six-Pack or More: $14.99/bottle and 25% off!
Anything Less: $17.99/bottle ($19.99 regular price)
It doesn't take long to realize this is a great bottle of Pinot Noir. From its generous nose of ripe cherry, raspberry, and flowers to its ripe, silky, and long palate, there's a lot to like here. With air, some modest complexity even comes to the surface -- a hint of mushroom, cocoa, and vanilla arise as this one comes out of its shell.
There is a good reason why lots of folks are investing in the vineyards of Patagonia. Dry weather, frequent winds, rivers carrying unpolluted snowmelt water, cool nights, and long summer days.....you couldn't ask for much better conditions to cultivate the vine, yet the region's wines are just beginning to get noticed.
That's not true, I've been stocking the Saurus Pinot Noir since early 2017, long before Patagonian Pinot was getting so much praise. It's a personal favorite of mine for daily consumption, and it is definitely the best sub-$20 Pinot Noir that we stock and sell. At $14.99/bottle when you get a solid sixer, this is a downright ridiculous deal......
All in all, this is a very impressive wine, and a great introduction to Patagonian Pinot. Enjoy with roast chicken, salmon, and pork tenderloin, as the flavors of the wine will elevate the flavors of your food.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
