Our Rating
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir can be a tricky grape. It’s fussy in the vineyard, temperamental in the cellar, and often priced like it knows it’s special. But every now and then, a bottle comes along that captures the variety’s charm without demanding a second mortgage. Enter the 2023 GlassMen Wines Sonoma County Pinot Noir. This wine doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s juicy, smooth, and just interesting enough to make you pause between sips. With generous black cherry flavors, a touch of savory olive, and a warming hint of spice, it’s a straightforward, enjoyable Pinot that pairs as easily with pizza on a Tuesday as it does with a more elaborate meal on a weekend.
GlassMen Wines was born from the hospitality-driven vision of Advanced Sommelier Brian Kulich, who wanted to create wines with integrity and character at a reasonable price. It’s a familiar story in the wine world—good wine without the sticker shock—but GlassMen seems to deliver on that promise more often than not. The winery’s focus is on crafting balanced, food-friendly wines that don’t feel like they’re trying too hard. This Sonoma Pinot Noir, priced at $35, fits that mold nicely: approachable, well-made, and versatile enough for various occasions.
Kulich’s background in hospitality plays a key role in the winery’s approach. There’s a clear intent to make wines that are interesting enough for enthusiasts but still approachable for casual drinkers. The Sonoma County Pinot Noir reflects this philosophy, with classic Pinot characteristics presented in a clean, crowd-pleasing style.
Behind the scenes is William Knuttel, a name with plenty of clout in California winemaking circles. Knuttel has spent decades crafting high-quality wines across a range of styles, starting with his tenure at Saintsbury in the 1980s, where he helped elevate California Pinot Noir to international prominence. He then moved on to Chalk Hill and later Dry Creek Vineyard, refining his skills across multiple varietals while staying rooted in traditional techniques.
Knuttel’s philosophy is straightforward: make balanced, food-friendly wines that age gracefully. His fingerprints are all over this Pinot Noir, from its measured use of oak to the restrained ripeness that keeps the wine from veering into jammy territory. These are the kinds of choices you’d expect from someone who’s been around the winemaking block more than a few times.
Look:
In the glass, the 2023 GlassMen Pinot Noir shows a clear, medium-intensity purple hue. It’s the kind of color that hints at ripe fruit but doesn’t scream over-extraction. Swirl it around, and the wine clings to the glass with moderate legs, suggesting a touch of richness without going full-bodied on you.
Smell:
Stick your nose in the glass, and the first thing you’ll notice is black cherry, followed by a savory, briny note that recalls black olives. There’s a subtle thread of smoke and a faint, earthy aroma reminiscent of freshly turned soil. The oak influence is present but not overpowering, adding a soft vanilla touch rather than a full-on lumberyard vibe.
Taste:
On the palate, the wine delivers what the nose promises. Black cherry leads the way, joined by ripe strawberry and a hint of tomato leaf that adds a savory edge. There’s a warm, baking-spice character, with cinnamon standing out, and a whisper of dried oregano. Oak makes a reappearance here, adding cedar and a touch of toast on the mid-palate.
The texture is pleasantly full-bodied for a Pinot Noir, with medium acidity keeping the fruit fresh and medium tannins providing a gentle grip. The alcohol sits at 13.9%, and while there’s some warmth, it never feels overpowering. The finish is longer than expected, leaving a mix of red fruit, spice, and a faint herbal note lingering on the palate.
Serving Tips:
This Pinot benefits from a brief 30-minute decant, which helps the earthy and herbal notes emerge more clearly. Serve it slightly cool, around cellar temperature, in a Pinot Noir glass to capture the aromatic nuances.
The 2023 GlassMen Wines Sonoma County Pinot Noir is a solid, no-nonsense Pinot that delivers exactly what you want for its $35 price tag: vibrant fruit, subtle complexity, and an easygoing personality. It’s not trying to be a collector’s item, and that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re opening it for a weeknight dinner or sharing it at a gathering, it’s a wine that strikes a nice balance between approachability and substance.
For those looking to explore Sonoma Pinot Noir without breaking the bank, this bottle is a good place to start. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing it was crafted by a winemaker who’s been refining his craft for decades. Grab a bottle, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy the simple pleasure of well-made wine. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
USA
Sonoma
Pinot Noir
13.9
William Knuttel
30 Minutes
Now to 2030
GlassMen Wines
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