From a Familar WoW Winery, a Pinot with Off the Charts QPR

Fast facts:

2023 Motif Pinot Noir, Monterey County, California ($4.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)

Finding a decent Pinot Noir under $10 is challenging enough, so when we saw this $4.99 Motif Monterey Pinot Noir 2023 at Trader Joe’s, we weren’t sure what to expect. But there were some factors that suggested that this wine might deliver, even at $5.  Firstly, Pinot Noir grows really well in the cool, foggy climate of Monterey County. It was a recent vintage to boot, no past prime wine this one. But the clincher was the fact that a prior Motif wine (our wine of the week back in May of last year) had knocked our socks off. It was also just $4.99.

And, as hoped, this bargain bottle way over- delivers for its crazy low price tag.

Tasting Notes:

Pours a see-through cherry red. The nose is dried red berries, cola, herbs and black pepper. It has a soft, rounded mouthfeel with cherry, plum and spice flavors. Well balanced with light, almost imperceptible tannins. This is all about the fruit, no budget for oak aging at this price! Would pair nicely with charcuterie, grilled white meats and filet mignon. ABV = 14.5%.

As we keep shouting: “it’s a buyers market good people.”  This is more proof.

Need more wine picks from Trader Joe’s – or Costco?

If your search for this wine lands you in Trader Joe’s, take along our handy Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.

And if your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.

If you’re like me, you are wondering how 2024 evaporated so fast.  It’s a wrap!  See you in 2025. Stay safe.

Cheers!