1998 J Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley

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The Vineyards
The fruit for J Pinot Gris is the result of a magnificent combination of two vineyards in the Russian River Valley: our own Cooper Vineyard right next door to the J Winery as well as fruit from the noted Saralee's Vineyard.

Processing
Whole grape clusters were hand-harvested then pressed gently in J's Coquard Press. The wines were fermented cool to retain fruit character. A fraction of the wine was fermented in French oak barrels while the remaining portion fermented in stainless steel prior to malolactic fermentation.

Tasting Notes
Exotic. Spicy. Feminine. Refreshing in style, this wine is aromatic with vibrant fruit and floral notes; applesauce, cinnamon, tangerine, honeysuckle, orange blossom, vanilla, butterscotch, toast. A full, layered body of flavors immediately followed by a long grape aftertaste marks the palate sensations. Flavors of honeydew melon, fresh apricots, white peaches, fresh green grapes, grapefruit, and just a suggestion of Muscat intrigue the palate. We especially like this wine with grilled summer cuisine and Asian flavors but encourage whimsical creativity and culinary adventure!

Harvest: September 9, 1998 and September 15, 1998

Harvest Analysis: 22.8° Brix

Final Analysis: Alcohol 13.4% by volume

Bottling Date: June 1999