1997 J Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley

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Winemaker's Notes
1997 in the Russian River Valley was marked by a wet winter followed by warm spring conditions with little fog cover. As a result grapes matured earlier than normal. Flavors developed well and resulted in turn a full-bodied wine with complex aromas and an extremely long finish.

Cellar Notes
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.

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 famed Saralee's Vineyard.

Tasting Notes
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 advocate whimsical creativity and culinary adventure!

Harvest: August 7, 1997 and September 2, 1997

Brix at harvest: 22.8° Brix

Final analysis: Alcohol 13.4% by volume

Bottled: August 1998