2000 J Pinot Gris, Dry Creek Valley

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The Vineyards
A limited release, this crisp, dry wine is made from 100% Pinot Gris fruit from Dry Creek Valley's Greene Vineyard.

Processing
Whole grape clusters were hand-harvested, then pressed gently in J's Coquard press. This unique method minimizes the extraction of harsh components from the skins and seeds of the grape. Free-run juice and press fraction juice were fermented separately. Sixty percent of the juice was fermented in new sixty-gallon French oak barrels; the remaining forty percent was fermented in oak cask. All lots were fermented to dryness and about twenty-five percent of the total blend was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation. After blending and malolactic fermentation sixty percent of the wine was oak-aged for five months and the remainder was cask aged until February 2001, when it was again blended and cold stabilized before bottling.

Tasting Notes
Crisp peach, mineral and a slightly musky nose are typical Pinot Gris hallmarks, but the creamy marshmallow and toasty oak whiffs are all California. Hints of vanilla and the golden color are the work of barrel fermentation. The ripe stonefruit, subtle nuttiness and echoes of citrus in the mouth are followed by a clean, dry finish that leaves a spicy, flinty impression on the palate. The 2000 J Dry Creek Valley Pinot Gris is a wonderful accompaniment to many types of cuisine, we highly recommend that you serve it with dishes that contain slightly spicy Pacific Rim or Asian flavors, fresh chilled seafood and light-style vegetarian dishes.

Harvest: August 28, 2000

Harvest Analysis: 21.5° Brix

Final Analysis: Alcohol 12.4% by volume

Bottling Date: March 14, 2001

Release Date: May 1, 2001

494 cases produced