Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine comes from a vineyard planted in the early 2000s in the Sebastopol Hills by Charlie Chenoweth for the Jenkins family, a country music trio consisting of Nancy Jenkins and her two daughters. It is inviting and seductive in black cherry and baking spices. Tightly wound, it has nuance and a lingering afterthought of savory pepper and meat.This wine comes from a vineyard planted in the early 2000s in the Sebastopol Hills by Charlie Chenoweth for the Jenkins family, a country music trio consisting of Nancy Jenkins and her two daughters. It is inviting and seductive in black cherry and baking spices. Tightly wound, it has nuance and a lingering afterthought of savory pepper and meat. Editors' Choice
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From Dijon clones 667 and 777, the 2013 Pinot Noir Jenkins Ranch spent time in 60% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by beautiful aromas of wild mountain blue and black fruits, sweet raspberries, forest floor and spring flowers. As this meaty, rich, complex Pinot sits in the glass, notes of slow-cooked pot roast and bouquet garni also emerge. Already delicious, this beauty should continue to age nicely for 7-10 years.
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Wine Spectator
Dense and layered, with complex dark berry, fresh earth, cedar, sage and licorice notes. Gains depth and muscle, making a strong showing on the finish, where the flavors are intense and persistent. Drink now through 2021.
The Sonoma Coast AVA is large in area but, not counting overlapping regions like Russian River Valley, only has a few thousand acres of grapevines—and it’s no wonder. Much of the region is rugged and not easily accessible. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean’s fog and cool breezes limits the varieties that can be cultivated, but it proves to be an ideal environment for high quality Pinot Noir.
Since fog is a frequent fact of life here, as are heavy marine layers that sometimes bring rain, the best vineyards are wisely planted above the fog line, on picturesque ridges that capture enough sun to provide even ripening. That, with the overnight drop in temperature that reliably preserves acidity, results in fine expressions of Pinot Noir that often receive tremendous critic and consumer praise alike, and are often in high demand.