Shoppers Love This Eye-Catching Pinot Noir, But You Might Be Overpaying For Beautiful Bottles

The rule "Don't judge a book by its cover" should be applied to the world of wine as well. If you browse the wine shelves, your eyes can't help falling on the bottle of Pinot Noir from Belle Glos Clark & Telephone, with the red wax that covers the bottle almost entirely. And yet, this is one of 6 popular red wines that Tasting Table found to be overpriced and overrated. Our writer says that the premium aesthetic immediately lures customers' attention with its classy design, but "you can't drink the wax, and the flavor profile reminds the long-expired spices hiding in the pantry".

On paper, the wine sounds impressive. Sourced from a Santa Maria Valley vineyard planted in 1972 just 13 miles from the ocean, the grapes enjoy cool fog and coastal breezes. Aged in 100% French oak, it pours a dark ruby color with bold flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, berries, and caramel. But despite its velvety texture, many argue it tastes more like a heavy Cabernet Sauvignon than a delicate Pinot Noir. Belle Glos offers little explanation for why this particular vineyard creates such a sweet flavor profile, leaving critics to wonder if it's because of the terroir or the winemaking process. In short, many see it as an overpriced red wine, raising the question of how much you're actually paying for that fancy wax bottle.

That Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir is divisive, as shown online, where users don't hesitate to either celebrate it or criticize it. On Reddit, a thread gathered significant attention after a user pointed out that the bottle barely tastes like a Pinot Noir at all. The reviewer described it as over-extracted, with a dark purple color and a syrupy mouthfeel. Pointing out strong notes of vanilla, unnatural oak, and dark fruits, they criticized the wine for lacking elegance and structure.

On Vivino, this bottle garnered nearly 60,000 reviews with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Fans on the platform praise its approachable character, with one reviewer highlighting its burgundy color and fruity profile. Describing a balanced pour with a prominent alcohol nose and notes of juicy cherry, they acclaim its rich texture and smooth finish. They also noted that it pairs well with foods like olives, almonds, and mild cheddar. Its intensity and crowd-pleasing qualities make it well worth the price, especially when presented in a beautiful bottle that looks great on any table. 

Having said all that, we should not forget that at the end of the day it's always a matter of personal taste. But when looking for a Pinot Noir, you might want to know how much to spend on a good bottle. And in case you want to know more about this complex world, here is the ultimate guide to Pinot Noir.