Around our house, it’s simply known as “George’s Pinot.”
Elsewhere, it wears the official moniker of J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The 2007 vintage is available now, the second in which winemaker George Bursick has completely overseen production.
Last year’s vintage was the triumphal entry of the new era of J Pinot after much anticipation was brought about by George’s reputation and bravado. Bursick isn’t one to shy away from publicity, and on more than one occasion has made bold statements about what to expect from the upcoming still wines.
Not that the old wines were bad, by any means, but they were always overshadowed by the Sparkling Wines J is so famous for. When one thinks of J, they invariably think of popping the cork on a bottle of bubbly featuring a large yellow J where a label would normally be found.
George wants to change that. He wants all of J’s wines to be so arresting that you choose them again and again. He wants J to be associated with incomparably great wines, period.
Now, when you factor in the under $40 retail price along with what is undeniably one of the best examples of this varietal and terroir on the market, well, let’s just say you’re going to fall in love with this wine.
The J on the side has been replaced with a rather non-descript, but classy white label. The flash isn’t what’s on the outside of the bottle, it’s what’s inside.
Inside, the wine has an amazing nose, an excellent mouthfeel, and a smooth finish. The deeply concentrated flavors are still delicate enough to showcase cool weather Pinot, but carry enough body and weight to satisfy those who want a bigger, richer wine.
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