Winemaker Notes
Red and blueberry fruit leap from the glass. he glass. Bright fruit-loam, sage and violets combine with aromatics that are uniquely Santa Maria Valley. Fruity, spicy and mouth-watering, this is classic Pinot Noir. Minimal oak influence lets this wine lead with a sense of place and finishes with an elegant balance.
Pair with wild mushroom in pastry, classic casserole, duck confit, French cheese or even a burger or pizza are excellent matches.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2018 Pinot Noir J. Wilkes Santa Maria Valley comes from the Santa Maria Valley and was brought up in 30% new French oak. Candied cherries, violets, orange blossom, and sappy flower notes all emerge from the glass. It’s nicely textured and medium-bodied, with a subtle, elegant style and a good finish.
After a long and rewarding career as a salesman, grape grower and ambassador for Santa Maria and Paso Robles wine, Jeff Wilkes decided to try his hand at winemaking.
He went to his long-time employer and friend, Steve Miller, with a proposal to create wines that focused on California’s Central Coast, through the lens of two of its sub-AVA’s, Santa Maria and Paso Robles Highlands.
Jeff launched his namesake label in 2001 and immediately received critical acclaim. He continued on that path until his untimely passing in 2010. Inspired by Jeff’s vision and moved by their friendship, the Miller family decided to continue the J. Wilkes label as a tribute to Jeff’s passion.
Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.