THE NEWEST BOUTIQUE WINERY IN HEALDSBURG, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, CAWINES:
2015 Cicero Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
This wine is our newest creation. This exceptional and full-bodied single vineyard wine was aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Our inspiration for this wine was a quote from the revered Roman statesman and orator, Cicero, who stated that “life is nothing without friendship.” We wholeheartedly agree! Our tasting notes include hints of dark berries, cooked red fruits, cinnamon, molasses, dried fruit, strawberry and cranberry. Cicero is seductive on the nose and has a lovely texture and finish covering the entire palate. Excitement runs through our senses each time we sample this special bottling of a Pommard clone. 95 cases bottled. $80 per bottle. Available by the 3 pack or case.
2015 Thompson 31Fifty Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
This wine was aged for 18 months in 65% new French oak barrels. It is silky and opens exquisitely in the glass. Our tasting notes include hints of bright raspberry, ripe cherry, black plum, baked fruits, cocoa, black olive and a long finish with structured acidity. This wine will continue to drink well over the next five to seven years. 225 cases bottled. $60 per bottle. Available by the 3 pack, case of 1.5L.
WES HAGEN - WINEMAKER, BRAND AMBASSADOR, J. WILKES WINES
JEFF(ERSON) WILKES WAS A WINEGROWER AND WINE GRAPE SALESMAN AT BIEN NACIDO AND SOLOMON HILLS VINEYARDS IN THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY AS WELL AS FRENCH CAMP VINEYARD IN THE PASO ROBLES HIGHLANDS FOR TWENTY YEARS (1981-2001).
Jeff’s tireless promotion and demand for quality anchored the Bien Nacido Vineyard, Solomon Hills and the Santa Maria Valley as the heart and soul of Santa Barbara County winegrowing, providing grapes to some of the greatest winemakers in California. Jeff launched his ‘J.Wilkes’ label in 2001, focusing on Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, and made his last wine in 2010 before his untimely passing late in that same year. Soon after, the label was relaunched as a tribute to Jeff’s unwavering love of the Santa Maria Valley, his commitment to value and quality, and later as a vehicle for blending AVA wines that show the best of the Central Coast and our diversity of meso-climates..
Jeff’s love of the Old West and sailing the Pacific Ocean continue to guide our winemaking team. The freedom that the West and the Pacific represent are in every sip of J.Wilkes, as is the pursuit of discovery that drives humans to search for new experiences and better lives. A bottle of J.Wilkes is an investment to keep your friends and family at the table for an extra hour. We believe the combination of food, love and wine is one of the most important rituals left in this country and is the cure for spending too much time with technology..