PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The 2021 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir is a charming and balanced Central Coast expression, offering red fruit purity and gentle earthiness with polished texture. It’s approachable yet nuanced—ideal for everyday enjoyment as well as thoughtful sipping.
J. Wilkes is a California producer deeply rooted in the Central Coast’s sub-AVAs, with the Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir being a signature estate wine. The 2021 vintage was crafted to express its maritime-influenced terroir: cool Pacific breezes, long growing season, and diurnal temperature shifts.
The fruit is hand-harvested and vinified with care to preserve varietal freshness. Fermentation likely employs native or select yeasts, moderate maceration for delicacy, and aging in French oak (a proportion new) to lend structure without overshadowing the fruit. The goal is to let the site speak first, with oak support enhancing depth and nuance.
Nose: Earthy dark cherry emerges first, accompanied by hints of rose petal, brown spice (clove, cinnamon), and a touch of vanilla and forest floor. There’s a floral lift and a subtle mineral undertone.
Palate: Silky and mid-weight, the wine shows red cherry, cranberry, and blueberry fruit flavors, layering into baking spice and gentle mocha. The oak influence is supportive—not dominant—with integrated vanilla and light toast. Tannins are fine and supple; acidity keeps the energy lively.
Finish: Smooth and lingering, with cherry and spice fading into soft earthiness and a whisper of smoked oak. The finish feels clean, polished, and balanced.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| ABV | 13.5 % |
| Region / Origin | Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California |
| Grape Variety | 100 % Pinot Noir |
| Vinification / Aging | Fermented in modest oak (some new French oak), moderate maceration, careful handling to preserve freshness |
| Aromas & Flavors | Dark cherry, cranberry, rose petal, brown spice, vanilla, earth, forest floor |
| Style / Identity | Elegant, medium-bodied California Pinot with balance of fruit and earth, oak subtlety, and fine texture |
"A pretty red, with high-toned red tea and potpourri notes leading off, followed by damson plum and raspberry coulis flavors that stretch out over a savory spine. Shows a twinge of sous-bois on the finish. Drink now through 2032." Wine Spectator 92 Points
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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