In the lore of California Pinot Noir, this wine is a legend that looms large. I won't tell you the whole story here, but it is easily googled. Josh Jensen sought out limestone terroir (common in Burgundy, but rare in California) and planted this vineyard with "suitcase clones" (look it up, or even google it) 40 years ago with cuttings from legendary vineyards in Burgundy. What's more important than the long, and quite compelling story behind this wine, is the wine itself. To me, this vintage of the Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir represents the apex of California Pinot Noir refinement, and yes, it also has the great backstory that is reflected in the price. This beautiful wine has lovely blueberry, fresh blackberry and raspberry fruit, a wrist grind of white pepper, and a wash of tart limestone on the finish. It's complex, crunchy, not super oaky, and frankly, it's fucking brilliant. It has a sense of place, and is impeccably balanced and well made.This is a wine that lives up to its story, much the way Ridge Montebello Cabernet does. It's a wine that any great fan of American wine should absolutely taste during their lifetime, and I think it's being made better than ever. 535 cases produced. (98 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
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