By Rick Riozza
So don’t let the “t” in the word “pinot”—as in Pinot Noir, throw you off: it’s a French term for the word “grape” and of course most of you readers know it perfectly rhymes with the word “vino” — as in the Vino Voice. Happy thoughts!!
Fall/autumn is fast approaching (albeit not fast enough here in the desert of Coachella Valley), and, the designated valley vino red wine for the times is—you guessed it! Pinot Noir.
The Autumn Allure of Pinot Noir is what the poets and gastronomes chant about. As the fall season seems to be one of the most popular times of the year, so too, Pinot Noir always gets the vino vote as the most desired red wine for the time. (Pinot Grigio—on the other hand, gets the votes in the springtime—so no worries.)
Our desert vino lovers just can’t shake it off: vino Pinot reigns through their veins and around their valley bellies. They can’t get enough of the stuff!
The wonderful non-fiction addiction are the predominant Pinot Noir flavors of berry—strawberry, raspberry blackberry, black cherry, cinnamon, and mint. Then, depending on the terroir or micro-climate, add the very aromatic flavors of: cranberries, cedar, earth, flowers, game, meat, minerals, mushrooms, plums, smoke, spices, tea (especially Moroccan Green), toast, truffles, vanilla, and violets. Yes! It’s a natural for the contemplative season, and, is the reason that it annually graces our holiday table.
And it’s not that you vino pinot lovers need an added incentive, but, the latest 2023 California Pinot Noir vintage is one of the best the past 20 years!
Wine Spectator defines it as: “The 2023 Pinots are defined by a wide spectrum of fruit, from the red and blue to black and purple, matched by a vivid display of floral and savory aromas. Underneath the flavors runs finely beaded acidity delivering mouthwatering succulence… and they have a potential to age.”
One of the best 2023 Pinots include the well-known Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Machado ($85). “This brims with succulent blackberry and mulberry fruit flavors that are coiled with energy, while singed mesquite, blood orange zest, black tea, and dried anise accents add fuel to the lengthy finish. WS 96 points.
And one of the best Pinot deals in town for only $36 is the Failla Sonoma Coast. “This sauve Pinot has a mulled edge to its raspberry, damson plum and blood orange notes, sparkling with savory and rose hip details. Ends with light-handed echoes of sandalwood and forest floor. WS 93 points
A Passion 4 Pinot: For the past six years or so, I’ve had the pleasure of covering one of the most acclaimed, recognized, and largest Pinot Noir tasting event in Southern California. A premier event that’s on the international wine calendar, drawing attendees from all over the United States. With 70+ notable California Pinot Noir-producing wineries pouring more than 225 top-tier Pinot Noir wines, the festival showcases the varietal as well as the artists and craft behind it.
Check out my last coverage of this past year’s event: coachellavalleyweekly.com/palm-springs-perfect-pino-fest.
So here’s the vino buzz: I just received an email informing me that the 2026 Palm Springs Pinot Fest attendance tickets are available now! And as most of us know—they sell out before the event. Those Pinot lovers in the know are already acting accordingly!
The year, the Passion 4 Pinot is being hosted in one of the world’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring Hotels, the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage.
The Grand Tasting – Saturday, January 31, 2026 From General Admission to Early Entry, all the way up to the exclusive VIP Vista Terrace Experience, the Grand Tasting offers something for every Pinot lover. Explore over 200 exceptional Pinot Noirs, taste culinary creations from Coachella Valley’s best restaurants, enjoy live entertainment, and take home a keepsake crystal wine glass. VIP guests will enjoy early access, complimentary parking, seating, special pours, tasty bites, and a signature gift.
And don’t miss the Gary’s Vineyard at 30 Seminar on Friday, January 30, where the Fransconi and Pisoni families will be joined by legendary winemakers for an intimate tasting of world-class Pimot.
As this column has written previously, we’ve come to know wine promoter & producer Dave Frashcetti who has been at the helm of this annual Pinot Fest. I’ve spoken with Dave, and his wine cup continues to runneth-over with fresh exuberance. “I learned many years ago that when it comes to wine festivals, bigger is not better. In fact,” he continues, “it’s the complete opposite.”
Those who have attended my events before know that our event is a first-class fun event that is designed for all types of wine lovers, from novices to expert Somms. It’s not snobbish; it’s a fun-filled afternoon that allows one to learn, taste and fall in love with amazing Pinot Noir from the best that California has to offer.”
“The wineries that are participating with us have achieved a stellar reputation for producing truly outstanding and highly sought-after Pinot Noir,” Dave continues, “They will be pouring their amazing cult classic collectible wines and educating guests, from wine lovers to novices alike—it’s all about the talent of excellent winemaking.”
Check out their website and get you tickets soon! palmspringspinotfest.com
See you later & see you there! Cheers!
