Winemaker Notes
The vintage 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a richly aromatic, layered and deeply expressive example of the classic style of Pinot Noir from this renowned region. Opening with aromas of supple leather, violets and cherry cola, the silky, palate delivers complex forest fruit notes of blueberry, raspberry and dark cherry that merge with hints of freshly-turned earth, mushroom and allspice. Well-integrated, fine tannins and a long finish leave a lasting impression. Perfect for complex, rich meals, this is an ideal wine with roasted turkey with cranberry chutney or cremini mushrooms stuffed with sage sausage. For a cheese pairing, try this with aged Manchego.
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThis appellation wine offers rich black fruit and cola alongside spice. Its earthiness contrasts well against pronounced oak and balanced weight.
A juicy, fruity pinot with strawberry and lightly toasted undertones. Some watermelon. Medium to full body. Pretty, highlighted fruit. Flavorful finish. Drink now.
Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley opens with super intense notes of warm redcurrants, kirsch and mulberries with wafts of dusty soil, cinnamon stick, garrigue and dried lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate has a nice suggestion of chewiness to the plush texture with bold freshness and loads of red berry preserves flavors, finishing earthy. 15,000 cases were made.
Here’s a refreshing Russian River pinot to catch young, while the delicate cherry flavors feel bright and incisive. It’s round and smoky in the end, with some cherry-skin chew to the tannins, its gracious power a match for spicy braised pork.
Since 1986, J Vineyards & Winery has developed a reputation as one of the top sparkling and varietal wine producers in California. Known for its celebrated estate vineyards and world-class hospitality, what truly sets J apart is its Traditional Method sparkling process and elevated winemaking techniques. Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock showcases her expertise and the diversity of California winegrowing regions through a portfolio of acclaimed varietal and sparkling wines. Visit the renowned hospitality center in the heart of the Russian River Valley to enjoy one of the many tasting experiences or the innovative pairings created by Executive Chef Carl Shelton in the Bubble Room.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
