2019 Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir

2019 was an excellent year. The modestly wet winter led to an unusual spring with six inches of rain falling in late May. The extra water caused particularly strong vine canopy growth necessitating extra leaf pulling to improve air flow and suppress disease. No significant problems persisted as the vines moved into a delightful summer, with nicely warm days tempered by cool afternoon winds from the Pacific. Crop levels were average, with most sites needing very little thinning to achieve optimum balance. Harvest weather was particularly pleasant, with the fruit ripening evenly, and critically, not too quickly. The 2019 wines are showing rich, supple structures with fine-grained, plush tannins supported by juicy, fresh fruit flavors and clearly defined vineyard characters. These precocious, delicious wines should require less cellar time to reach an ideal drinking stage. 

Located about two miles south-west of Sebastopol on Pleasant Hill Rd. (in an area locally known as Sebastopol Hills), the 18-acre Jenkins Ranch is situated on a north-east facing hillside.  Once an apple orchard, Jenkins Ranch features Goldridge series sandy loam soils planted mostly to Dijon selection 777 with a small block of 667. These vines were planted under the guidance of renowned vineyard manager Charlie Chenoweth in 2001. Though the site features cool coastal influences, its location one series of hills back from the Petaluma Gap offers a degree of shelter and warmth for the grapes.

100% Burgundian French oak barrels- Aged 16 months (45% new; 55% 1-2-year old)

Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential

Type:

Red

Varietal:

Pinot Noir

Region:

California

Appellation:

Sonoma Coast

Vintage:

2019

Blend:

100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol:

14.5%

Fermentation:

Multi-yeast fermentations (native yeast, followed by cultured yeast); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel