Elegant Wines Never Disappoint

J Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Cost: $35-38

What: I’ve had the J Pinot Noirs several times and they never disappoint. Winemaker George Bursick selects great fruit from throughout the Russian River Valley to create a magical blend with an elegant style and grace. In Bursick’s capable hands, the Pinot grapes become a work of art. While most of us can’t afford to drink great French Burgundies, this wine equals them in elegance and complexity.

Floral and blackberry notes fill your nose when the wine is poured. As it opens you get a hint of cocoa and cinnamon. As you drink it, cherry and strawberry tastes explode in your mouth, with a long, smooth finish, balanced by a crisp acidity. Each lot of wine was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels. The wine is then blended and returned to barrels to allow a gentle integration. The wine rests for another six months in bottles before it is released. All this special attention results in a spectacular wine.

Winery: In 1986 Judy Jordan left the family business (Jordan Winery) to produce finely crafted varietals and sparkling wines that have become the hallmark of the Russian River Valley. The sparkling wines captured the public’s attention first, and they are magnificent, but the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have received even greater acclaim.

Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grapes to cultivate, and certainly one of the most difficult wines to produce with excellence. But when it is done right, it is divine. Only a few spots in the world produce exceptional Pinot Noir, including Burgundy and the Russian River Valley. What makes Russian River so spectacular is a wide variety of soils and a cool coastal climate that makes for a long growing season.

In his quest to produce “truly memorable, iconic wines,” Bursick tries all kinds of combinations and yeasts to come up with just the right blend. He and Judy Jordan have hit their stride and produce many memorable wines, including several sparkling wines, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Pinotage and some specialty wines.

Goes with: Lamb, duck, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, salmon, all kinds of grilled meat. I had it with beef curry brought over by a friend, and it was fantastic. The philosophy at J Wines is that food and wine enhance each other, so the wine is made to pair well with food.