Rating 85
Style Red
Variety
Vintage 2017
Appellation
Sonoma County
North Coast
California
USA
ABV 14.3%
Price $26.00  Buy This Wine
Print Shelf Talker
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2020-07-29

Perfect For

Host/Hostess Gifting, Last Minute Wine Runs, Party Wine

Drink If You Like

Merlot, Pinot Noir , Tempranillo

Au Contraire Pinot Noir 2017 Review

This is an oaky and big-ish Pinot Noir. The palate is sweet and ripe, and smells like macerated cherries and prunes. The acidity is low, making it a heavier wine. It’s not really a food wine, since the acidity is low, but it has an adorbs label with an elephant and a mouse that would make this a good gift for a host that isn't as into wine as they are into labels.

Related Reads

Learn About Pinot Noir

· Pinot Noir 101

· Our always updated list of our best rated Pinot Noir brands!

Related Pinot Noir Reviews

Ernest Vineyards Cleary Freestone Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir

Ernest Vineyards Cleary Freestone Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019:
Pinot Noir loves moderate, cool temperatures and the fourteen acre vineyard this wine comes from lives in the the coolest area of the west ...

Cuvaison Estate Pinot Noir

Cuvaison Estate Pinot Noir 2019:
Carneros is the coolest region in the the Napa Valley enjoying the cool climate form the San Pablos Bay to the south. Pinot Noir from here ...

Kleinlerer Wines Pinot Noir

Kleinlerer Wines Pinot Noir 2022:
Kleinlerer wines produces hand-crafted wines from sustainably farmed vineyards across California, like this Pinot Noir from the Starscape ...

Maysara Jamsheed Pinot Noir

Maysara Jamsheed Pinot Noir 2015:
This winery only releases wines when they believe they are ready. This 2015 is a current release and ready to go. It has a unique mocha ...

Featured Pinot Noir Articles

Despite Climate Change, Oregon’s ‘Other’ Grapes Are Thriving

Despite Climate Change, Oregon’s ‘Other’ Grapes Are Thriving:
Could it be time for Oregon to plant grape varieties other than Pinot Noir in order to withstand the changing climate?

These Vines Aren’t for Wine. They’re for Data.

These Vines Aren’t for Wine. They’re for Data.:
Winemakers across the world are turning plots of land into mini-science labs to analyze how grapes are adapting to the climate crisis.

The 50 Best Wines of 2022

The 50 Best Wines of 2022:
Read VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 wines of 2022 now! These are 50 of the best wines you can buy. See them all now!

8 Exceptions to the Wine Rules

8 Exceptions to the Wine Rules:
There are some really firm rules about wines and winemaking, but surprisingly there are just as many exceptions.

85
POINTS
Au Contraire Pinot Noir 2017
This is an oaky and big-ish Pinot Noir. The palate is sweet and ripe, and smells like macerated cherries and prunes. The acidity is low, making it a heavier wine. It’s not really a food wine, since the acidity is low, but it has an adorbs label with an elephant and a mouse that would make this a good gift for a host that isn't as into wine as they are into labels.

Reviewed On: 07-29-2020
85
POINTS
Au Contraire Pinot Noir 2017
This is an oaky and big-ish Pinot Noir. The palate is sweet and ripe, and smells like macerated cherries and prunes. The acidity is low, making it a heavier wine. It’s not really a food wine, since the acidity is low, but it has an adorbs label with an elephant and a mouse that would make this a good gift for a host that isn't as into wine as they are into labels.

Reviewed On: 07-29-2020