Angeline Pinot Noir Reserve

Angeline Pinot Noir Reserve is a 100% Pinot Noir from California's North Coast, bottled at 13.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Martin Ray Winery and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, this reserve expression has earned Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and an 89-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.9%  |  Origin: North Coast, Mendocino County, California  |  100% Pinot Noir  |  Winery: Martin Ray Winery

Production & Heritage

Martin Ray Winery, rooted in the Santa Cruz Mountains winemaking tradition, produces the Angeline label as an accessible line that draws fruit from premium California appellations. The Reserve Pinot Noir sources grapes from the North Coast — primarily Mendocino County — a region known for its cool marine influence and extended growing season that coax complexity from thin-skinned Pinot Noir. The wine spends 10 months maturing in French oak barrels, a step that adds structural depth and spice uncommon at its price tier and distinguishes the Reserve from Angeline's standard bottlings.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bing cherries and ripe raspberry lead, followed by cranberry and a faint mineral thread of iron. There is a subtle earthiness beneath the fruit that adds dimension without overwhelming the nose.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward, with red and black cherries meeting dried currants and a flash of cherry tart sweetness. Mid-palate, the wine fills out with juicy berry richness, rounded texture, and traces of mace and black tea from the oak aging. Taut tannins and juicy acidity provide structure without heaviness.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering berry fruit and a gentle earthy undertone. A thread of black tea and soft oak spice fades gradually, leaving the palate clean and balanced.

How to Drink Angeline Reserve

This Pinot Noir shows its best slightly below room temperature, around 58–62°F, served in a Burgundy glass that funnels its cherry and cranberry aromatics. It drinks well on its own without decanting, though 15–20 minutes of air can soften younger vintages. For cocktails, the Reserve's bright fruit and balanced acidity work in a Pinot Noir Sangria with fresh stone fruit and citrus for a summer gathering; a New York Sour, where its cherry character amplifies the whiskey-and-lemon base; and a Kalimotxo, the Basque red wine and cola drink, where the wine's fruit-forward profile keeps the mix lively.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want something a step above the everyday
• Introducing a friend to quality California Pinot Noir without a steep investment
• Hosting a casual wine tasting alongside other North Coast reds
• Pairing with a holiday meal built around roasted poultry or glazed ham

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Angeline Reserve taste like? It leads with ripe Bing cherry, black cherry, and cranberry, layered with dried currants, black tea, and a touch of mace from French oak aging. The palate is round and juicy, balanced by bright acidity and firm but approachable tannins.

How does Angeline Reserve compare to La Crema Pinot Noir? Both are widely available California Pinot Noirs, but La Crema Sonoma Coast tends to lean slightly more toward earthy, mushroom-accented notes with higher acidity, while Angeline Reserve is fruit-driven with rounder texture and more overt berry sweetness from its Mendocino County fruit. The Angeline Reserve typically sits at a lower price tier, making it a strong competitor on value.

Is Angeline Reserve good for sipping neat? Yes — its smooth texture, generous fruit, and balanced tannins make it an easy wine to enjoy on its own without food, especially when served at the right temperature around 60°F.

Where is Angeline Reserve made? It is produced by Martin Ray Winery using Pinot Noir grapes sourced from California's North Coast, with a particular focus on Mendocino County, and aged in French oak barrels for 10 months before bottling.

What foods pair well with Angeline Reserve? Roasted duck breast works well, as the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the meat. Grilled salmon with a berry reduction mirrors the cherry fruit. Mushroom risotto complements the earthy undertones. Charcuterie boards with aged Gruyère or Comté echo the wine's depth. Pan-seared pork tenderloin with a cherry glaze creates a direct flavor bridge to the wine's core.

What sizes does Angeline Reserve come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Angeline Reserve worth the price? The Angeline Reserve positions as a value-tier reserve wine, delivering French oak aging, Gold Medal competition credentials, and an 89-point Wine Enthusiast rating at a price point well below most comparable North Coast Pinot Noirs — it consistently over-delivers relative to its category.

Why Angeline Reserve?

The case for this wine rests on a simple equation: 10 months of French oak barrel aging and North Coast Pinot Noir fruit at a price that undercuts much of its competition. The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition has awarded it Gold across multiple vintages, and Wine Enthusiast critic Jim Gordon scored the 2019 vintage at 89 points, praising its rich, fruity, and rounded character. In a category crowded with thin, overpriced Pinot Noirs, the Angeline Reserve stands out for its genuine depth of flavor and honest winemaking. It is one of the more reliable expressions in its price range for drinkers who want California Pinot Noir character without the premium markup.