Shop Pinot Noir by Years | Best Year for Pinot Noir

Featured Pinot Noir by Vintage (2018–2022)

How to Choose the Best Year for Pinot Noir

Pinot definition (what makes Pinot Noir “Pinot Noir”)

A quick pinot definition: Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape known for perfume, finesse, and transparency to place and season. Compared to heavier reds, Pinot typically shows red-fruit tones (cherry, raspberry), floral notes, and savoury earth or spice, with moderate tannin and lively acidity. That is why vintage matters so much, small shifts in weather can move Pinot from bright and nervy to plush and generous.

By style (the fastest way to pick your year)

Consider this: if you want lifted aromatics and food-friendly freshness, focus on cooler-feeling years like 2021. If you want ripe fruit and smooth texture that is easy to open, 2020 is often the safest “buy and enjoy” profile. For deeper colour, more power, and a more structured cellar path, 2018 is compelling. For a modern, high-definition expression with both fruit and detail, 2022 can be very rewarding.

By region and occasion

Burgundy is the classic reference point for collectors, especially when your goal is terroir nuance and age-worthy structure. New Zealand Pinot Noir, particularly Martinborough, often gives an excellent balance of fruit and savoury complexity at strong value. California’s coastal Pinot can be thrilling for gifting and celebrations when you want expressive aromatics and critic momentum.

Browse by region while you decide: Shop Burgundy Wines, Shop New Zealand Wines, Shop USA Wines.

Common Questions

What is the best year for Pinot Noir if I am buying to drink now?

If you want to drink immediately, choose a year that naturally offers open fruit and smooth tannins. From the wines featured here, 2020 (Burgundy Volnay) is an easy “open tonight” style, and 2021 (Bachelet-Monnot Bourgogne Rouge) is excellent if you prefer fresher, lighter Pinot. For a more intense, showy bottle that still drinks well young, 2022 Pinot Noir can be very appealing.

What is the best year for Pinot Noir if I want to cellar it?

Cellaring Pinot is about structure: tannin quality, acidity, and concentration. In this line-up, 2018 Louis Latour Corton-Grancey is built for the long run, and 2022 Raen Occidental has the intensity and detail that can reward patience. For a balanced cellar option with savoury complexity, 2019 Escarpment Kupe is a strong candidate.

How should I serve Pinot Noir from different years?

Younger, fresher Pinot (often 2021–2022) benefits from slightly cooler serving temperatures and larger Burgundy bowls to lift aromatics. Riper or more structured bottles (often 2018–2020) can take a touch more warmth in the glass and may benefit from short aeration. For practical serving targets and glass recommendations, see our serving temperature and glassware guide.

Do I need to decant Pinot Noir?

Many Pinots do not require long decants, but a short aeration can help, especially for more concentrated or tightly wound styles. As a rule of thumb, youthful, structured Pinot can benefit from 15–45 minutes in a decanter, while delicate, older bottles should be handled gently. If you want a simple approach, follow our decanting and aerating wine reference.

Is provenance verified when I order Pinot Noir in Hong Kong?

Yes. Bidvino verifies provenance across our range and stores wines in a professional temperature-controlled Hong Kong facility. That matters for Pinot Noir because heat and poor storage quickly flatten aroma and texture. If you are buying for a special dinner or adding to your cellar, consistent storage and documented sourcing are the difference between “good” and “as it should taste.”

How fast is delivery in Hong Kong, and how is the wine protected?

Standard Hong Kong delivery is typically 2–5 business days, with temperature-controlled packaging for all shipments. Free delivery applies on orders over HK$1,000. If you are ordering multiple vintages to compare side-by-side, combining bottles into one shipment is often the most practical and cost-effective way to buy.