Winemaker Notes
Jennifer's Pinot Noir is both elegant and powerful. It features aromas of boysenberries, violets and lavender followed by flavors of black raspberries, black tea, and anise. The 2021 Jennifer's Pinot is very dense, but with fine tannins and a silky, persistent mouthfeel. This wine is an expression of one of the most unique neighborhoods in the Russian River Valley.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A deep but transparent red, the 2021 Pinot Noir Jennifer's is a bit more reserved initially but opens to reveal raspberry liqueur, pine sap, and a bit of classic cola spice. Full-bodied, it offers juicy fruit throughout, with fine tannins and fresh acidity that lifts it cleanly off the palate, with fresh berries as well as fresh forest herbs. It’s attractive and charming now, with a lovely floral finish. Drink 2024-2036.
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Wine Enthusiast
Brilliant garnet in the glass, this energetic Pinot shows loads of baking spice and candied cherry on the nose. Tart plum and hints of toasty pastry mingle on the palate, leading to a pure, long and warming finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir Jennifer’s is scented of cranberry, rhubarb, dried flowers and oolong tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with understated flavors and a long, pleasantly earthy finish. 292 cases were made.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.