Pinot Noir is recognized the world over as a noble grape. With one of the longest lived heritages of the wine grape world, pinot noir has been fascinating winemakers and wine drinkers for well over 1,000 years. Difficult to grow, prone to disease and vulnerable during vinification, making a great bottle of pinot noir is no small feat! These top 6 wines blew the top off of 2018’s Ultimate Wine Competition with scores ranging from 95 to 97 Points.

1. J. Lohr Highlands Bench Pinot Noir 2015 Santa Lucia Highlands, 97 Points, Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

2. Domaine Carneros The Famous Gate Pinot Noir 2015 Carneros, 96 Points, Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

3. Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir 2015 Russian River Valley, 96 Points, Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

4. J. Lohr Fog's Reach Pinot Noir 2015 Arroyo Seco, 95 Points, Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation

5. Wild Horse Winery Reserve Pinot Noir 2015 Santa Barbara County, 94 Points, Excellent, Highly Recommended

6. MacMurray Estate Pinot Noir 2015 Russian River Valley/Sonoma County, 94 Points, Excellent, Highly Recommended