J Vineyards Nicole's Vineyard Pinot Noir 1996

1996 marked the third year we vinified grapes from Nicoles Vineyard for still wine. Though maturity came early, the unmistakable signature of this particular terroir is evident. I find this wine reveals its uniqueness in a slow and seductive manner. Aromas are of berries, dry spice, and delicate floral notes. I like to decant this wine for about twenty minutes, which enables more of the forest floor and rose-petal notes to become interlaced with the primary fruit aromas. The tactile sensation is of a medium-full bodied wine without any hints of hotness; a sensation described as "liquid silk". Delicate blackberry flavors are complemented by slight smokiness, a hint of mint, and exotic black tea components. The finish is surprisingly long, complex in nature, and leaves the palate refreshed and invigorated.