The Vineyard Fruit for our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was sourced from our estate vineyards as well as selected growers in the Russian River Valley appellation. J estate vineyards are planted with different clones of Pinot Noir, including Dijon (113, 115, 777, and 667) as well as native (Rochioli, 2A). These clones are spread across a range of soil types from rocky riverbed to Goldridge sandy loam, and when combined are a comprehensive expression of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Winemaking The fruit was night harvested to preserve freshness, and hand-sorted before de-stemming into open- and closed-top fermenters. The must was cold soaked 3-10 days before going through natural, extended fermentation. As fermentation nears completion, the wine is drained freely from the tanks into 100% Burgundian oak barrels where malolactic fermentation takes place. This process allows us to craft a beautifully balanced wine that exhibits a layered complexity of flavors and aromas. Aging The wine was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels (30% new). Each lot was meticulously evaluated for blending. Once the final blends were created, the wine was returned to barrel to allow gentle integration before bottling. After bottling, the wine rested for at least six months. Tasting Notes The 2008 J Vineyards Pinot Noir is a lush, full wine exhibiting the expressive character of the Russian River Valley. An excellent growing season provided a wine of great depth, with elegantly composed layers. Aromas of milk chocolate, rose petals, and wild blackberry fill the glass. As the wine opens there are hints of caramel, cinnamon and cloves. The traditional Pinot Noir flavors of cherry and strawberry are fully integrated with the subtle oak tannins. Winemaker George Bursick Appellation Russian River Valley Harvest Date August 29 – October 4, 2008 Bottling Date March 2010 Release Date January 2011 Wine Alcohol 14.3% by volume Wine Acid 5.5 grams per liter Wine pH 3.73 Residual Sugar 0.15% Production 18,000 cases Suggested CA Retail $35

14.3% alc., pH 3.73, 18,000 cases, $35. From estate vineyards and selected growers. 100% de-stemmed, 3-10 day cold soak, natural fermentation, aged 15 months in 30% new French oak barrels. • Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red berries, red cherry, red plum and rose petals are echoed in the flavors. A charming wine with nuances of earthiness and spice, restrained oak and soft tannins. The most approachable of the 2008 J Pinot Noirs and a reliable table wine. Good!

The 2008 J Vineyards Pinot Noir is a lush, full wine exhibiting the expressive character of the Russian River Valley. An excellent growing season provided a wine of great depth, with elegantly composed layers. Aromas of milk chocolate, rose petals, and wild blackberry fill the glass. As the wine opens there are hints of caramel, cinnamon and cloves. The traditional Pinot Noir flavors of cherry and strawberry are fully integrated with the subtle oak tannins.

Although not a big and dramatic wine, this fruity, well-focused Pinot is an eminently friendly one. It offers up a nice measure of persistent ripe-cherry fruit that is gently framed by a touch of creamy oak sweetness. It is supple and balanced and smooth on the palate with an enlivening note of integral acidity punctuating its lingering finish. Reviewed: June 2011

Medium-light ruby; attractive, initially subdued, floral, cherry fruit aroma with a hint of milk chocolate; medium-full body; elegant, crisp, tightly wound, red berry and cherry fruit flavors; medium tannin; a bit tight on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. Highly Recommended! (88 of 100 points) By Nicholas A. Ponomareff

87 Points J Vineyards & Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley); $35. Pretty and polished, an elegant, lighter style Pinot Noir to drink now with rich pork, lamb and beef dishes or grilled salmon. It’s silky and satiny, with pleasant wild strawberry, cherry, red currant, licorice, cola and cedar flavors. —S.H.

WOW! J Vineyards & Winery 2008 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley); $35. Wow, this is the most impressive regular pinot noir we've tasted from this producer. Very bright and generous fruit flavors of raspberries and black cherries with a dash of vanilla. By TOM MARQUARDT & PATRICK DARR, February 18, 2011

2008 J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Four Stars from Wine of the Week! Highly Recommended! A pinot noir with tangy fruit and layered flavors. Notes of black raspberries, herbs, cinnamon and caramel. Lush! By Peg Melnik Press Democrat