Although best known for its superb sparkling wines, J is just as adept at still table wines, producing excellent pinot gris and pinot noir from primarily Russian River Valley grapes. The 2014 RRV pinot is a good example of the J style, which emphasizes balance between fruit and acid and suave tannins. This vintage shows ripe black cherry with a note of cola and woodspice.
J Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2014
By Robert Whitley