This is perhaps the most interesting wine I’ve tasted in a long time, and it is the first time I’ve tasted a “white” Pinot Noir.
I felt pretty confident in the hands of Willamette Valley Vineyards because they are experts with Pinot Noir. We’ve highlighted quite a few of their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs over the years, and have always enjoyed them and felt they overdelivered for the price.
You can’t tell from the bottle, but when they say “white” they mean this wine is clear. Like almost as clear as water. Here’s a pic of my glass.
So how do they do that with Pinot Noir? From what I learned, they pick the fruit at peak ripeness and immediately press it gently to release juice without color or tannins from the skins. And they use a combination of stainless and neutral barrels. There’s a great short video here about the process.
And the color is super deceptive because the wine has richness, body and structure once you get it into it. The flavors are a nice combo of what you expect from red and white wines, just in a rather unique combo package.
The wine is floral on the nose with flavors of peach, strawberry, lemon and pear, a touch of vanilla and cream. Medium in body with nice acidity, the wine is super clean; great finish.
Costco’s price is $24.99, which is pretty good. Wine.com and other online outlets sell it for around $30.
I always say that the best way to learn about wine is to constantly explore and try new things. Here’s a good one to experiment with.
Or pour it randomly for some guests and watch the reaction when they see the clear color and then taste it. You’re guaranteed to catch them off guard.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 89 points
Costco item number: 993807
Alc. 13.2%
This wine was received as a sample for the purpose of writing this review. All reviews are written at the discretion of the individual reviewer. Opinions of the reviewer do not necessarily reflect those of CostcoWineBlog.com as a whole, and reviewers are not paid for their reviews by wineries or their affiliated distributors. We at CostcoWineBlog.com believe that wine preferences and opinions are often subjective and highly individualistic. Our scores are based on our individual perception of a wine and how well it reflects the area in which the grapes are grown, the expression of the grapes, and also the quality of the finished product. We remind readers that we are 100% independent of Costco Wholesale Corporation, and are simply of a group of Costco wine fans looking to try new wines and share our favorites with this community.
Tim says
Interesting! Wonder how much lat year’s fires and smoke taint affected their decision to make a white PN. This way they can eliminate much of the skin and stem smoke accumulation and if filtered heavily they could get rid of more from the juice.
Debbie Niemeier says
Does anyone know the Costco item number on this white Pinot Noir? I'd like to call my store to ask if they have this wine. Thanks!
Editor says
Hi, we list the Costco item number at the end of each review. For this White Pinot Noir the item number is 993807.
I hope you are able to find and taste it.
Debbie Ambrose Niemeier says
I gave that number to my store and they said it wasn’t a valid number.
Editor says
Hi Debi
I had another reader encounter the same issue so I confirmed the number with the producer and they said it was accurate.
They said the wine is primarily across the Midwest and Texas. So it’s possible it hasn’t reached your stores yet.
That’s about all the info I have. Again, hope you are able to find it.
Debbie Ambrose Niemeier says
Sorry meant to say it’s only available in the Midwest and West
Debbie Ambrose Niemeier says
Thank you
Josie says
Is anyone finding this wine in the Atlanta area? I went to a couple of stores and no one had it.
Debbie Ambrose Niemeier says
According to the comments above, it is still not available in the Midwest and the West.
Andrew says
I have just completed an exhausted search of the Midwest, the number quoted is for 32 piece glassware drink set, not a white pinot. In all the searches, using various descriptors, this bottle is not showing up at any Midwest locations, nor is it ordered by any.
Charlene Schlegel says
I’m sad that I haven’t been able to get this at my local costco in Jacksonville FL!