Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Panther Creek Pinot Noir

by Melissa Auman Greiner on Jun 22, 2011 in Wine
Panther Creek Pinot Noir

When people find out that you know something (anything) about wine, they instantly consider you their new go-to guide. I get calls from people standing in the middle of the state store, looking aimlessly at the rows of bottles and hoping I can virtually send them a beacon of light. I’m expected to bring the wine to many a gathering. And when we are out at the bar, people simply hand me the wine list and ask me to “find something they’ll like.”

No pressure, of course.

Finding a bottle that speaks to the masses is no easy task, and with vintages of some wines varying drastically from year to year, even a good old standby can blow up in my face. That being said, there are a few consistent winners I am confident to always name drop.

If you are looking for a red that’s flavorful but not too in your face, something that can pair with a variety of foods but drinks well all by its lonesome, let me introduce you to Panther Creek Pinot Noir.

Panther Creek hails from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, in my opinion one of the best regions for pinot. Sure, Burgundy pretty much baths in the stuff, but the fruity berry flavors and on-point funkiness of bottles from this region almost always impress.

Yes, I said funkiness. Good pinot delivers elements like barnyard, mushroom and tobacco. It’s a good thing. The mustiness of a good pinot noir nose paired with the raspberry jam flavor you discover on the tongue – it’s addictive.

Panther Creek’s options are consistently impressive. They are smooth, round and fruity, making them a great starter red for a newbie, but have just enough of that complexity that an old pro can appreciate them, too.

Panther Creek owns a number of vineyards in the region, resulting in a series of different bottles at, of course, different price tags. Expect to pay between $39 and $29 a bottle (at most PA Fine & Good Spirits stores). Steep? Perhaps, depending on your budget. But pinot is a little more delicate than other grapes, meaning it costs a little more to grow and make. Most people would say $30 for a sure thing is an easy decision. You be the judge.  


Melissa Auman Greiner is a born and bred Philly girl with a soft spot for the city's growing food and wine scenes, leafy green squares and sultry summers. Just don't get her started on the inadequacy of SEPTA. With nearly 10 years of experience covering the city for a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites, it hasn't just been her pleasure to visit Philly's best bars and restaurants -- it's been her job. And with an advanced certification from the International Sommelier Guild under her belt, she brings her city savvy and wine know-how together to deliver Drink Philly readers the latest info on Philly vino.


Related Articles:

Best of the Boxes
Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Secret Garden Pop-Up Speakeasy Launches at Philadelphia Distilling

Celebrate spring in style this April with Philadelphia Distilling at Botanicals in Bloom - a secret garden spe...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Apr 2, 2025
Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy Grandma's House Inspired Cocktail Menu

Emmett: Inside Look at the Cozy "Grandma's House" Inspired Cocktail Menu

From Executive Chef Evan Snyder and partner Julian van der Tak comes Emmett, a Levantine-Mediterranian bar and...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 25, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

Philly's Best Happy Hours: Almyra's $7 Cocktails, $8 Tuna Crispy Rice, & $8 Flaming Cheese, 7 Days a Week

This week's installment is all about Almyra, a modern Greek restaurant and bar in Rittenhouse Square that tran...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Mar 18, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Canada's Next Level Response to Tariffs Removes All U.S. Wine & Spirits From the Shelves

Part of Canada's response, their retaliation, to the tariffs imposed on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. ha...read more ›

by Lew Bryson Mar 17, 2025
Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice Co: Inside Look at the Ice Elevating Philly's Cocktail Scene

Philadelphia Craft Ice is the first artisanal ice company in Philly focused on elevating the quality of cockta...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 9, 2025
Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

Franklin Mortgage Launches Pop-up Flower Shop & Speakeasy for Flower Show, March 2-8

The Franklin Mortgage in Rittenhouse is transforming their entire space into a pop-up flower shop featuring a ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 25, 2025
The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The 12th Annual Philly Bierfest Celebrates the Rich History of Brewing German-Style Beers in Pennsylvania, February 22

The German Society of Philadelphia's 12 Annual Bierfest returns February 22 with a selection of over 50 German...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Feb 18, 2025
Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

Behind the Bar: Solomon Thomas - Ambassador, Bartender, & Industry Community Advocate

In this segment of Behind the Bar, we get a chance to speak with bartender and industry community advocate, So...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 4, 2025
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close