Last Night’s Pour: Browne Forest Project Pinot Noir (2023)
Oregon Pinot at fifteen bucks doesn’t always inspire confidence. But from the moment this one hit the glass, I was intrigued. The nose jumped out first — not in that forced, over-extracted way — but with clean, honest fruit.
Aromas I got immediately:
- Cranberry
- Raspberry
- A whiff of cedar
- A little jasmine floating in the background
The first sip reminded me of those silky Pinots you grab when you want something easy, but not boring. It starts bright, silky, and surprisingly polished.
Flavor notes from the glass:
- Ripe strawberry
- Light sandalwood
- Soft tannins
- A finish that’s longer than I expected at this price
Honestly, for $14.99? I’ve had Oregon Pinots double the price that didn’t deliver this level of balance.
The Comparison Round: Browne vs. A More Familiar Pinot
To keep things fair, I grabbed a bottle I often recommend in this same price lane: A to Z Oregon Pinot Noir (around $17–$19 depending on the store).
Think of it like matching a young speedy winger against a reliable veteran midfielder — each brings something different.
How they compared:
Fruit Profile:
- Browne Forest Project: Bright red fruit — cranberry, raspberry, strawberry. Very lifted.
- A to Z Pinot: Darker fruit — cherry, pomegranate, a hint of cola.
Texture:
- Browne: Silky, lively, almost playful.
- A to Z: More structured, a little weightier, more savory edges.
Oak & Spice:
- Browne: Subtle sandalwood, light cedar.
- A to Z: More spice-driven; hints of clove and a darker toast.
Value Winner:
Browne Forest Project — no hesitation.
It tastes like Oregon should taste for under $20: fresh, bright, uncomplicated in the best way.
Food Pairing Moment
I paired it with a simple grilled chicken breast and roasted veggies — nothing fancy — and the wine lifted the whole plate. This is also a great “pizza and Pinot” bottle. If you’re grilling salmon, this wine is a no-brainer.
Final Thoughts
If you ever wanted to start exploring Oregon Pinot Noir without dropping $25–$30 a bottle, this is a terrific entry point. And if you’re already a Pinot fan? You’ll appreciate how much elegance Browne squeezed into a $14.99 bottle.
