April 6, 2026 (Rolling Hills, CA) — Castle Rock Winery today announced that its 2023 Mendocino County Pinot Noir has been named “Highly Recommended” with an 89–90 point rating by Reverse Wine Snob, further reinforcing its position as one of the top values in California Pinot Noir.
In the review by Jon Thorsen, the wine was described as “smooth, juicy and zesty…with good balance…quite impressive for Pinot Noir at this price.”
The 2023 Mendocino County Pinot Noir is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes grown in Mendocino County and offers classic aromas of cranberry, strawberry, spice, and blood orange, leading to a long, refined finish. With a suggested retail price of $11–$13, the wine continues Castle Rock’s long-standing commitment to delivering premium quality at an accessible price.
2023 Castle Rock Pinot Noir Mendocino County
Taste: 8 (89-90 Points) Cost: 8
OVERALL RATING: 8.0
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
“This is exactly what Castle Rock is all about,” said Greg Popovich, Owner and President. “Consistent 90-point-level performance at an everyday price. That’s the lane we’ve owned for decades.”
“This Pinot Noir is our flagship,” added Stephen Ross, National Sales Manager. “It consistently delivers the quality, reliability, and value our customers expect, and it continues to drive strong performance across our national accounts.”
“Castle Rock set the standard for value in Pinot Noir, and that same philosophy is now driving the success of Kosmic Kitty Wines,” said Adriana Popovich, Director of Social Media. “We’re seeing a new generation of consumers discover quality wine through brands like Kosmic Kitty, while Castle Rock continues to deliver for loyal customers who trust us vintage after vintage.”
In today’s market, finding a true Mendocino Pinot Noir consistently performing at this level under $15 is extremely rare.
Castle Rock has built one of the most consistent value-priced Pinot Noir programs in the United States, with national distribution and a loyal consumer following. The wine continues to gain momentum across key retail accounts as consumers increasingly seek high-quality wines at accessible prices.
The wine’s versatility makes it an ideal everyday Pinot Noir for a wide range of occasions, from weeknight meals to casual entertaining.
Consistent Critical Recognition
The Reverse Wine Snob review adds to a growing list of accolades for Castle Rock’s Mendocino Pinot Noir program, including:
- 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast (“Best Buy”) – 2023 Mendocino County Pinot Noir
- Best Buy of the Year – Wine Enthusiast (Mendocino Pinot Noir program)
- “Highly Recommended” – 89–90 Points – Reverse Wine Snob (2026)
- Multiple 90+ Point Scores Across Recent Vintages from Leading Publications
- Consistent recognition as a top value Pinot Noir in the U.S. market
These accolades underscore the wine’s balance, varietal expression, and standout value, continuing Castle Rock Winery’s three-decade legacy of delivering premium-quality wines at accessible prices.
About Castle Rock Winery
Founded in 1994, Castle Rock Winery is a family-owned winery dedicated to producing high-quality wines from California’s premier growing regions while maintaining exceptional value. Wines are produced and bottled in Santa Rosa, California, and distributed nationwide.
About Reverse Wine Snob
Reverse Wine Snob is a leading online wine publication dedicated to discovering and reviewing high-quality wines at affordable price points. Founded by Jon Thorsen, the site focuses on wines that overdeliver for their price, typically under $20, and has built a strong national following among value-conscious consumers.
