1/2 (Extra half glass for the label)
Ah, Pinot Noir. The delicate, smooth, easy-drinking red… except when it’s not. Enter Clos du Napa 2020 Pinot Noir, a wine that took one look at traditional Pinot characteristics and said, “Nah, I’d rather be a Cabernet.” At a hefty 14.5% ABV, this thing came in swinging, and let’s just say subtlety was not invited to the party.
Right out of the bottle, it smelled promising—dark fruit, a little spice, a hint of sophistication. Then I took a sip, and—boom—my mouth was hit with something much stronger than expected. This was no soft, elegant Pinot. This was a Pinot that had been lifting weights, drinking protein shakes, and possibly smoking cigars in its free time. Dry as the Sahara, with a peppery aftertaste that lingered like an awkward conversation.
Aging gracefully? Not so much. I suspect this Pinot has seen better days. It tasted a bit… tired? Like it had once been something better but had since decided to take up a new life yelling at kids to get off its lawn. The fruit notes were still hanging on, but they were battling the alcohol and spice like knights from Monty Python and the Holy Grail—valiantly fighting, but ultimately doomed. “I’m not dead yet!” the fruit seemed to cry. But yeah… kinda.
In a stroke of culinary genius (or just a desperate attempt to make the experience better), I paired it with some fat pork chops. Because if a wine is going to punch me in the face, I’m at least going to fight back with something equally rich and greasy. And you know what? It helped. A little. But it didn’t change the fact that this wine was past its prime and having an identity crisis.
Look, I drank it—I’m no quitter. But would I buy it again for $7.99? Nope. That money could go toward a more reliable Grocery Outlet gamble, like a questionable French red or a bottle with a fun animal on the label. This one just tried too hard to be something it wasn’t, and in the end, it was more confusing than enjoyable.
Final verdict? If you like Pinots that think they’re Cabernets and don’t mind a little extra burn, give it a whirl. Otherwise, move along—there are better deals on the discount rack. Next!
Types of Grapes: Pinot Noir & ??
ABV % / Fun Juice Level: 14.5%
Origin: Napa, CA
Grocery Outlet Price: $7.99
