J Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

Judy Jordan, of Jordan Winery fame, decided to branch out on her own more than 20 years ago to make site specific cool climate wines.  Since then J Vineyards has grown into one of the largest estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley with 274 acres planted to vines.

The 2007 offering of J vineyards Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley starts out with a beautiful floral nose of violets and roses.  The palate is quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with bright cherry and strawberry fruit with cinnamon and clove notes backed up by solid oak tannins.

The alcohol comes in at 14.3% which is fairly high for a Pinot Noir, but there is little in the way of alcoholic heat.  This wine is a Cab drinkers Pinot, it has solid enough tannins from 15 months in 30% new French Oak.  The suggested retail on this wine is $35 which is right in line with high quality wines from this region.  14,500 cases were produced so it shouldn’t be too hard to find at your local specialty shop, or you can order direct from the winery HERE

Verdict: 4 out of 5

*disclaimer this wine was received as a sample