2005 J Pinotage, Russian River Valley

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The Vineyards
There are only approximately 20 acres of Pinotage planted in all of California. J Vineyards & Winery owns 2.5 acres planted in 1999 at our Backdoor Vineyard. The grapes are trained on a vertical trellis system and farmed to maximize flavor development by limiting the vine’s yield and opening the vine’s canopy to expose the grapes to filtered light.

Processing
Grape clusters were hand-harvested, sorted, destemmed, lightly crushed and then fermented in an open-top tank. A minimal, post-fermentation maceration was practiced before the wine was pressed off the skins.

Aging
The Pinotage wine was transferred to barrels to finish the malolactic fermentation. Fifty-five percent of this wine was aged in American oak and forty-five percent was aged in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes
Masculine and earthy, the 2005 J Pinotage reveals a smoky aroma of leather, cigar box, dried cedar nuances, and hints of tropical fruits and cherry.  Lighter in body, but full on the palate, the initial aromatic impressions carry over in the mouth with hints of black tea and thyme. A gorgeous dark ruby in color, this wine is the perfect marriage of smoke, spice and fruit.

Pinotage is a natural hybrid varietal developed in South Africa and is primarily grown in the Cape region. The varietal is a cross between two varieties: Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Cinsault was also known by the name “Hermitage”, hence Pinotage. In the Russian River Valley, the variety produces a fruit-forward, full-bodied red wine with ample and solid tannins.

Appellation:  Russian River Valley

Harvest:  September 20, 2005

Final Analysis: Alcohol 14.0% by volume

Production:  950 cases