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.
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.