2020 Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir
94 points
Wine Enthusiast
The 2020 Jenkins Ranch is a blend of 80% Dijon Clone #677 and 20% Dijon Clone #777. The 2020 delivers mulled Luxardo cherry, dried rose, dark chocolate, blueberry, along with the typical Jenkins hint of salty, ocean air. The tannins are incredibly smooth coating and rich. A densely layered mid-palate extends through a refreshing and brightly fruited finish. Though exceptionally rich and full, this 2020 is tempered with enough mouthwatering acidity to keep the marvelously complex flavors cleansing. Super companion to roast duck or pork loin.
The year began with a very dry winter, leaving some vineyards with reduced water for the growing season. This translated into smaller berries, adding extra intensity to the aromas and flavors. The harvest at Patz & Hall wrapped up in late September, making it the earliest end of picking in my 30+ years of winemaking. Though 2020 produced record small yields, the quality was remarkable, with most vineyards producing wines of depth, intensity, and dramatic concentration. The Chardonnays are showing intricate aromatics and deep flavors while the Pinot Noirs show very dark and concentrated flavors with developed tannins. Overall, I’m very pleased with the strength and vitality of the 2020 wines and believe they have a long life ahead in the cellar.
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- (45% new; 55% 1-2-year old)
Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
This wine is Vegan
- Type:
- Red
- Varietal:
- Pinot Noir
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Russian River Valley
- Vintage:
- 2020
- Blend:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Aging:
- Aged 16 months on light lees
- Alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Fermentation:
- Multi-yeast fermentations (native yeast, followed by cultured yeast); 100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel