J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2003
This entry was posted on 12/3/2006 12:29 PM and is filed under good value wines, California and Oregon Pinot Noir.
J Vineyards, like Rodney Dangerfield, gets no respect, at least from the critics at Wine Spectator. Thier Russian River Valley Pinot Noir usually fethces a score in the low 80's. I think the wine is much better than that. It does not have all the forrest floor, earthy notes of the current media darling Pinots from the central coast, but it is a very good Pinot for those looking for a lighter style.
The wine has a delicate red fruit bouquet which carries onto the palate. The fruit is ripe, sweet, and the tannis here are soft and well integrated.
For those who want a full bodied monster Pinot, look elsewhere. For those who want a softer, more delicate Pinot, you've found your match.
3 stars. These wines are widely available, and can usually be found for just over $20.