Pinot Noir Jessie James Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills 2021
Martin Woods
95DEC / 95VM / 93WA

$46.99 3+
$49.99 US Low SALE


95 pts Vinous Media
The 2021 Pinot Noir Jessie James Vineyard lifts with a finessed blend of dried black cherries and rose petals offset by dusty stone and hints of lavender. This is lifted in feel, with textures of pure silk engulfing the palate in a cloak of ripe wild berries as savory spices and touches of blood orange slowly drench the palate. It finishes long yet fresh, displaying a peppery tinge as a web of fine-grained tannins lingers, and a minty freshness slowly fades. There's a lot of potential here, but patience will be required.  - By Eric Guido on January 2024

95 pts Decanter
This is a bright, red-fruited expression with notes of pomegranate and wild strawberry, a hint of rose petals and a firm, crisp feel on the palate. The site is located in the cool Eola-Amity Hills at just over 200m elevation, exposed to the cool winds of the Van Duzer Corridor. The site's terroir and organic farming deliver energy, tension, freshness and depth. Should age well. (Barrel sample).-Decanter

93 pts Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir Jessie James Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1996 and was matured for 15 months. Its aromas blossom slowly from broody woodsmoke, tobacco and mushroom to blackberries and dried flowers. The light-bodied palate is crunchy and refreshing with a pleasantly chalky frame, a core of concentrated, earthy fruit and a long, spicy finish. It's youthfully taut and will benefit from a few years in bottle.

Our Tasting Note: A deeper med+ ruby, maybe not as deep as Koosah. The nose is rich, darker red fruits, slightly exotic for Pinot, hard to pin on any specific fruits as it is so complex...a beautiful mix of dark red fruits reminiscent of ripe bing cherry, raspberry, and blackberry. Subtle rose florals with a light dash of earthly loam. Med/med+ body and med+ but fine tannins, the flavor intensity is med+ to high and the wine finishes broad and long, with the savory and fruit sharing the focus.

AVA: Eola-Amity Hills
elevation & aspect: 675 ft, East-facing slope
soil series: Nekia (rocky volcanic basalt, shallow topsoil)
planted: 1996—Wadenswil & Pommard & Dijon 113/114/115
farming: Dry-Farmed, Organic management
harvest: October 5, 2021
whole cluster: 12%
elevage: 15 months (6 month without sulfur); average barrel age 4-5 years
bottled: Jan. 5, 2021, without fining,13.5% Alc.