Acrobat Pinot Noir

Acrobat Pinot Noir is a 750ml Oregon red wine bottled at 13.5% ABV, blending fruit from three of the state's premier appellations. Awarded 91 points and a Publisher's Pick from The Tasting Panel, this bottling also carries a Wine Spectator Smart Buys designation — a notable distinction for a sub-$20 Oregon Pinot Noir.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Oregon, USA  |  Style: Multi-AVA Pinot Noir  |  Winery: King Estate (Foley Estates)

Production & Heritage

Acrobat was originally launched by King Estate Winery, one of Oregon's largest and most recognized producers, now under the ownership of Foley Estates. Winemaker Tim Jones, an Oregon native, sources Pinot Noir grapes from Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley AVAs — a deliberate strategy to capture the breadth of Oregon's terroir rather than a single vineyard's character. The fruit is harvested early to preserve bright acidity, fermented in stainless steel with gentle punch-downs and pump-overs, and aged nine months in French oak barrels with 20% new wood. This balanced approach to oak aging keeps the fruit forward while adding a subtle structural framework.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bing cherry and fresh raspberry lead the nose, followed by ripe plum and a layer of damp earth. Cinnamon, mocha, and a faint hint of lemon peel emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-driven, with blackberry and red currant flavors arriving immediately. At mid-palate, fine-grained tannins and crisp acidity create a sleek structure, while floral spice and a touch of black tea add complexity. A subtle chocolate note rounds out the peak, balanced by vibrant red berry fruit.

Finish: Persistent and refreshing, with raspberry and cherry flavors lingering alongside a whisper of toasted oak. The finish stays bright and clean, with enough tannic grip to maintain interest without heaviness.

How to Drink Acrobat Pinot Noir

Serve slightly below room temperature — around 58–62°F — to let the bright fruit and acidity shine without muting the earthy undertones. This Pinot Noir is approachable enough for casual sipping but structured enough for food-driven occasions. A classic Pinot Noir Spritz plays well with the wine's natural acidity and berry profile. A red wine sangria built with fresh berries and citrus amplifies the cherry and raspberry character already present. For cooler months, use it in a mulled wine preparation, where the cinnamon and plum notes in the base complement warm spices beautifully.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Oregon Pinot Noir without a steep price commitment
• Weeknight dinners where a versatile, food-friendly red is needed
• Gifting to a wine drinker exploring Pacific Northwest producers
• Hosting a Pinot Noir tasting flight showcasing different price tiers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Acrobat Pinot Noir taste like? Acrobat Pinot Noir delivers juicy dark cherry, blackberry, and raspberry flavors supported by crisp acidity and fine-grained tannins. Subtle notes of cinnamon, mocha, and black tea add complexity to a fruit-forward, medium-bodied profile.

How does Acrobat Pinot Noir compare to A to Z Wineworks Oregon Pinot Noir? Both are widely available, value-oriented Oregon Pinot Noirs that source fruit from multiple AVAs across the state. Acrobat tends to emphasize bright acidity and a lighter body with nine months of French oak aging, while A to Z is often noted for a slightly richer, rounder mouthfeel.

Is Acrobat Pinot Noir good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit-forward character, soft tannins, and bright acidity make it an excellent entry point into Oregon Pinot Noir. The Wine Spectator Smart Buys designation confirms strong quality at an accessible price tier.

Where is Acrobat Pinot Noir made? Acrobat Pinot Noir is produced in Oregon by King Estate Winery, now owned by Foley Estates. The grapes are sourced from vineyards across three Oregon AVAs: Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley.

What foods pair well with Acrobat Pinot Noir? Roasted salmon benefits from the wine's bright acidity cutting through the fish's richness. Grilled duck breast complements the cherry and plum fruit. Mushroom risotto echoes the earthy undertones on the nose. Charcuterie boards with aged cheeses and cured meats match the wine's balanced tannins. Herb-roasted chicken is a classic pairing that lets the subtle spice notes shine.

What sizes does Acrobat Pinot Noir come in? Acrobat Pinot Noir is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Acrobat Pinot Noir worth the price? Acrobat positions as an entry-level Oregon Pinot Noir and consistently over-delivers for its price tier, earning a 91-point score from The Tasting Panel and a Wine Spectator Smart Buys designation — both signals of strong value relative to cost.

Why Acrobat Pinot Noir?

What separates Acrobat from much of the crowded value Pinot Noir market is its genuine Oregon identity. By pulling fruit from Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley, and Rogue Valley, winemaker Tim Jones captures a broader expression of Oregon terroir than single-AVA bottlings at comparable prices. The nine-month French oak program with restrained new-barrel usage keeps varietal character intact — a discipline that many budget Pinot Noirs sacrifice. With a 91-point Publisher's Pick from The Tasting Panel and a Wine Spectator Smart Buys nod, this is a bottle that has earned critical recognition to back up its drinkability.