J’s 2013 Nicole’s Vineyard strikes an exquisite balance between Old World sensibilities and New World realities. Made in a Burgundian style that delivers structure and subtlety, but with enough flash that’s it is unmistakably California. With notes of raspberry, black cherry and plum, it exhibits nuanced complexity. It’s fresh and appealing on the palate but with plenty of backbone and stuffing to carry it another five to seven years in a temperature-controlled cellar.
J Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2013
By Robert Whitley