Joseph Jewell Wines

Articles About Joseph Jewell Wines

Reviewed Wines

2017 Joseph Jewell Ryan Vineyard Humboldt County Rosé of Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.22, TA 0.68, 370 cases, $24. Clone 115 organically farmed. 31 days whole cluster pressed, fermented in stainless tank. · Pretty pink salmon color in the glass. Gorgeous aromas of strawberry, orange zest and peach that soar over time in the glass. Plenty of expressive flavor with orange, yellow peach and guava fruits melded with the slightest dry tannins and a bolt of active acidity. A remarkably good and thoroughly dry rosé that is the perfect summer wine. Score: 92. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2017 Joseph Jewell Eel River Valley Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.61, 125 cases, $36. Sourced from organically farmed Elk Prairie Vineyard (Martini, Pommard and 115 clones) and Alderpoint Vineyard (Martini clone). Harvest Brix 23.5º-24.4º. 100% destemmed, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Dark red cherry and berry and spice are featured in the nose and on the palate in a middleweight style. The wine has a charming personality, is easily accessible and displays superb barrel management. Score: 91. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 540 cases, $40. Release July 2019. Sourced from five vineyards - Hallberg, Starscape, Bucher, 800 vines and Horse Shoe Bend. Multiple clones including 777, 114, 115, “828,” Pommard, Martini and Swan. Harvest Brix 25.9º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is primarily oak-driven with aromas of toast and smoke overriding the black cherry fruit. Mid weight flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and black raspberry with generous toasty oak in the background. An unpolished, voluptuously fruity wine with a modest finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Jewell Shiloh Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.62, 125 cases, $42. Release July 2019. Clone 4 (Wente) planted in 1992 in gravelly loam soil. Barrel fermented, 100% MLF, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of golden apple, buttery lemon tart, yellow cake and a hint of green flora. Graciously styled, with flavors of lemon, pear and vanilla. Pleasant enough, but a bit shallow and mundane challenging me to reach for descriptors. Score: 89. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Jewell Bucher Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.58, 100 cases, $50. Release July 2019. Swan and Pommard 5 clones. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Bright cherry aromas arrive in the glass over time. Lip-smacking fruit flavors of black cherry and ollaliberry with complimentary frame of oak. Easy to drink and comforting, with suede tannins and an abundance of purple fruits on the very satisfying finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.61, 175 cases, $60. Release July 2019. Clones 777 and Pommard 5. Dry farmed. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of an array of dark red and black fruits with a compliment of oak spice. The flavors mimic the aromas in a nicely balanced mid weight styled wine with gracious tannins and a fruit-driven finish. Silky in the mouth and forward drinking. Score: 91. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Jewell Starscape Vineyard Martini Clone-Old Girls Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.61, 75 cases, $65. Release June 2019. 100% Martini clone planted in 1971. Yield 0.9 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Somewhat brooding aromas of blackberry compote, dark chocolate and forest underbrush lead off. Locked and loaded in the mouth, with a richly flavored mid weight plus core of blackberry, ollaliberry, black tea cedary oak and spice flavors. Generously fruited, yet possessing good energy with an openness that appeals. This wine has a velvety texture, welcome umami and a finish replete with ollaliberry goodness. A unique wine that reflects the nature of the Martini clone and will appeal to the adventurous. Score: 92. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

12.9% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.59, 235 cases, $N/A. 50% sourced from Starscape Vineyard Wente clone and 50% from Shiloh Hill Vineyard clone 4. Harvest Brix 22.2º-24.2º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of lemon, pineapple, kiwi and banana. Silky in the mouth with discrete richness, offering a core of citrus fruit, integrated acidity and a subtle touch of woody oak in the background. Nothing to criticize but nothing to excite. Score: 89. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Ryan Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.62, 100 cases, $39. Clones 115 (80%), 777 (10%) and 667 (10%). Harvest Brix 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, fermented 15 days in stainless open-top tanks. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of purple grape and berry, baking spice and wood pile. Very pleasant in the mouth in a light to mid weight style, featuring vibrant flavors of black cherry and black raspberry. Simple, but soothing and very like able, although the wine had lost some appeal when retasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle (nose more vegetative and earthy and less flavorful). Should be drunk chilled on release. Score: 89. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.58, 675 cases, $40. 25% Hallberg Vineyard 777 and Pommard, 50% Starscape Vineyard 777, “828,” and Martini, an 25% Bucher Vineyard swan and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.5º-25.9. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific nose offering aromas of vivid cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle toast. Thoroughly satisfying in a mid weight style featuring flavors of black cherry, blackberry and spice with a deft touch of oak in the background. Notable mid palate and finishing intensity, with gracious tannins. A charming AVA wine. Score: 92. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Elk Prairie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.58, 75 cases, $42. Organically farmed Martini clone planted own-rooted in 1991. Harvest Brix 24.2º. 100% destemmed, native yeast fermentation in stainless open-top tanks. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose starts out quite vegetative with aromas of turned earth and peat that give way over time to black cherry, berry jam and oak spice aromas. The mid weight flavors of dark red berries and cherries are accompanied by green tobacco and earth notes. The fruit tries hard to impress on the mid palate, but gives way on the short finish. Green tobacco and earth notes lean heavily on the fruit expression, and there is a bit of alcoholic heat on the finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Starscape Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.8% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.61, 100 cases, $42. Clones are Wente and 15. Harvest Brix 22.2º. Barrel fermented and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. More appealing overall than the RRV AVA bottling with inviting aromas of lemon, apple and a hint of flint. More weight on the palate than the RRV AVA Chardonnay, but not the exuberant fruitiness associated with many RRV Chardonnays. Sleek in texture, with good acidity and a slight saltiness married to the citrus fruits. Score: 93. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Starscape Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.61, 200 cases, $48. Clone 777 planted in 2000. Harvest Brix 24.1º. 15% whole cluster. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of black fruits, molasses and toasty oak. Dense, bold and slightly withdrawn in a mid weight plus style featuring well ripened fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry-pomegranate. Big but not too big with plenty of vigor and a sleek mouthfeel. Typical of Martini clone. When tasted several hours after opening, the nose had come alive with more fruit appeal and the wine showed more polish, class and concentration. Score: 94. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Bucher Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.57, 100 cases, $50. Swan and Pommard clones. 100% de-stemmed, 10-day fermentation in stainless open-top tanks. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Accessible nose offering aromas of floral cologne, black cherry, spice, and earthy flora. The light to mid weight core of red cherry fruit is underlain with a fecal/barnyard/tobacco/herbaceous thread that is typical of wines from this vineyard. The wine is nicely balanced, sleek in the mouth, with a juicy finish of modest length. The savory aspect of this wine is welcomed by many or may not appeal to drinkers like me. Score: 89. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Joseph Jewell Starscape Vineyard Old Girls-Martini Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.63, 75 cases, $65. Vines planted in 1971. 0.9 tons per acre. Harvest Brix 24.1º. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of ripe, sweet black fruits in a full-bodied, rustic style with noticeable but not aggressive tannins. Luscious and creamy on the palate , with good harmony, integrated oak and good finishing purpose. When tasted several hours later from a previously opened bottle, the aromatics were more giving of black cherry and spice, the flavors of purple and black fruits had come to the front and the wine was considerably more appealing. Score: 92. Reviewed February 3, 2019 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Jewell Rubies Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.51, TA ).59, 100 cases, $N/A. An annual wine club exclusive offering representing the finest barrels of each harvest. 50% Hallberg Vineyard clones 777 and Pommard 5, 25% Floodgate Vineyard clones 777, 667, 115 and Pommard 4, and 25% Appian Way Vineyard clones 115, 777 and Pommard 4 and 5. 100% de-stemmed grapes, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is rather shy, offering demure aromas of blackberry jam and prune. Very ripe flavors of blackberry, raisin and cassis with an oak-driven marzipan note. Very silky, with supportive tannins and some length on the finish. Considerably more appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, showing more fruit expression including additional flavors of black plum, black raspberry and spice, and still sporting considerable length on a fruit-driven finish. This wine definitely needs more time in bottle. The extreme ripeness of the fruit may or may not be a liability depending on your taste. Score: 91. Reviewed February 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Jewell Starscape Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.61, 200 cases, $N/A. Clones 777, “828,” and 115. Harvest Brix 24.2. 8% whole cluster, 12-day fermentation , aging for 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nice floral, pine forest and spiced cherry perfume. Luxurious and polished in the mouth, featuring a mid weight core of black cherry, and purple and black berry fruits. Admirable balance with only a hint of oak, finishing modestly. Charming upon opening but lost appeal when re-tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 90. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Jewell Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.59, 175 cases, $32. A blend of grapes from Elk Prarie, Alderpoint and Ryan vineyards. A mix of Dijon 115, 777, and 667, along with Pommard and Martini clones. Harvest Brix averaged 24.4º. Average yield 0.50 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very giving aromas of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, bark and a hint of tutti-frutti. Darker fruited flavors on the palate including black cherry and black raspberry with a pleasing hint of spice. Nicely balanced and quite agreeable, with filigree tannins and some finishing length. Score: 89. Reviewed February 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Jewell Alderpoint Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.62, 75 cases, $35. Vineyard is located at 500 feet elevation above the middle fork of the Eel River. First open release from this vineyard. Martini clone planted in 1991. Yield averaged 1.99 tons per acre. Harvest Brix 23.2º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Both earthy and fruity in character, with aromas and flavors of black raspberry and blackberry fruits, spice, mushroom and mulch. Silky in the mouth, with welcome balance, and a return of the savory and fruity fragrances that haunt the exhilarating finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Jewell Bucher Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 75 cases, $45. Clones 777 and Pommard 5. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A highly individualistic wine that displays the typical scent and flavor of guaiacol and mulch associated with this vineyard. The wine is centered around a black cherry flavored core in a silky and elegantly style with gentle tannins and impressive length on the finish. Beautifully crafted in a harmonious fashion. Score: 92. Reviewed February 25, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Jewell Starscape Vineyard Martini Clone - Old Girls Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.59, 75 cases, $65, white wax topper. Grapes were sourced from some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Sonoma, first taking root in 1971. Yield 1 ton/acre. 100% de-stemmed, fermented 7-14 days in stainless open-top tanks. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The aromatic profile is very similar to the regular Starscape bottling in this vintage but more sexy. Aromas of black cherry, underbrush, pine and floral bouquet. Noticeably more attacking on entry with a definite mid palate impression of dark cherry and boysenberry fruits, finishing with good persistence. Well-structured with very fine-grain tannins contributing to a polished mouthfeel. The fruit is quite ripe and the slightest alcoholic heat shows up in the glass over time as the wine warms in the glass. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, there was some volatile acidity (apple core aroma) on the nose but the wine still tasted fine. This wine has many good traits but there are a few nits. Score: 90. Reviewed June 29, 2018 ARTICLE »

2013 Joseph Jewell Alderpoint Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.56, 100 cases, $34. Martini clone. Yield 2.01 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Both fruity and savory aromas announce the wine, including scents of cherry, raspberry, spice, underbrush, oak and herbs. A polished wine on the palate, with mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry and boysenberry, framed by matching tannins and a subtle top note of oak. The finish is modest but satisfying. Score: 90. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.11% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.59, 1,150 cases, $34. A blend of several vineyards: Hallberg, Floodgate, Appian Way, Bucher and Nurmi. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Nice perfume of Bing cherry, cherry pie spice, purple grape and a hint of oak. A solid offering of mid weight black cherry, blueberry and spice flavors with a top note of toast, earth, tar and black tea. Modest tannins, with some finishing intensity and a slight sense of alcoholic warmth on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Joseph Jewell Elk Prairie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

12.91% alc., 50 cases, $39. This vineyard is located at 1200 feet elevation on Fruitland Ridge. · Light strawberry red in color, Highly aromatic, with a perfume of strawberry shortcake, red cherry and sandalwood. Lighter in weight, featuring flavors of red cherry, red berry, strawberry, blueberry and spice. The tannins are hidden, and the finish is mildly tart. Considerably more enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, showing soaring aromatics and highly expressive fruit with plenty of charm. Score: 91. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Joseph Jewell Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.22% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.61, 200 cases, $44. Release April 1, 2016. This vineyard is located in the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley. Clones 777. Yields 2.13 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose is primary, even when checked the following day, with only earthy, oak-driven aromas. Much better and giving on the palate, with a mid weight core of sweet, sappy blackberry, black raspberry, and blueberry-pomegranate fruits supported by a touch of oak. The polished, velvety mouthfeel is alluring. Score: 90. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Joseph Jewell Appian Way Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.22% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.61, 92 cases, $46. Release April 1, 2016. Vineyard is located just outside the town of Forestville. Farmed as an organic apple orchard until 2001, the 2-acre vineyard is now planted to Pinot Noir clones 115, 777 and Pommard in Goldridge soil. Yields 3.40 tons per acre. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is steeped in purple berry, hazelnut and vanilla aromas. Soft on entry and exit, with mid weight plus flavors of spiced plum, ollaliberry and blueberry-pomegranate. Super ripe in profile with even a hint of prune peeking out. Nicely composed with a deft touch of oak, merged tannins, and a satiny texture. A slight sense of warmth shows up on the finish. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.27% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.56, 200 cases, $48. Release April 1, 2016. This original apple growing property, named after the former owners, Don and Marcia Hallberg, was sold to Emeritus Vineyards in 1999. Goldridge soils. Yields 2.40 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The scent of black raspberry, blackberry, spice and woodland is inviting. Up front black raspberry and blackberry fruits blanket the mid palate, carrying over on the lifted, juicy and very long sweet-fruited finish. A compliment of oak plays in the background in this harmonious offering. Considerably more enjoyable the next day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.71, 626 cases, $22. Clone 4 and 5. Harvest Brix 22.9º-23.4º. Cool fermented in a stainless steel closed top tank (no oak). · Very light yellow golden yellow color and clear in the glass. A highly enjoyable wine offering enticing aromas of baked apple, lemon curd and honey followed on the palate with flavors of apple, lemongrass, honey, and a hint of banana. Admirable restraint and balance, clean and well-defined, with a lively mouth feel, finishing on a high note of refreshing, lemon-driven acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Jewell Sonoma County Pinot Noir

13.95% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.60, 658 cases, $29. 22% Hallberg Vineyard, 31% Floodgate Vineyard, 45% Appian Way Vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in 7% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very aromatic, reminding of Pinot Noir must and scents of cherry, raspberry, chocolate and herbs. Juicy and fresh, with lighter weight flavors of cherries, cranberries, spice and dried herbs. A pleasant wine that has thirst-quenching acidity on the cherry-driven finish. Tends to lose appeal over time in the glass. Score: 87. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.47% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.61,490 cases, $33. Sourced from Hallberg, Floodgate, Appian Way and Woods Family vineyards. Clones 115, 667, 777 and Pommard 4 and 5. Harvest Brix 23.2º-24.3º. 100% de-stemmed, fermented in stainless steel open top tanks for 7 to 14 days, aged 10 months in 19% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. A cherry-themed wine with complimentary notes of baking spices and herbal oak. Straightforward, modest in intensity, with lively acidity and gentle tannins. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Jewell Appian Way Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.44% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.61, 125 cases, $39. Clones 777, 667 and 115. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in 20% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is vibrant with aromas of mixed berry jam, raspberry cobbler, purple grape and warm brioche. Juicy and silky on the mid palate with likable flavors of plum, blueberry and blackberry, finishing with good length and mouthwatering fruit richness. There is a deft touch of oak and supple tannins making for easy drinking. What’s not to like? Score: 91. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Jewell Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.54% alc., pH 4.56, TA 0.61, 195 cases, $42. Clones 777 and 667. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy fruit aromas with plenty of toasty oak to the front. Discreetly concentrated flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cola with noticeable freshness and intensity. The fruit core is mildly weighed down by oak, although the oak sheen tends to subside over time in the glass. I would give this wine another year in bottle for the oak to integrate. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.95% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.62, 145 cases, $44. Clones 777 and Pommard 5. 100% de-stemmed, aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of cherry, raspberry and Middle Eastern spices. This is a nose you want to nibble. The flavors echo the nose with mid weight intensity and impressive polish. Baking spice and a good herbal note add interest. The tannins and acidity are nicely balanced and the finish is refined and flavorful. This is a beautiful wine that you want to keep coming back to. Score: 94. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 200 cases. · rately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of black raspberry jam, plum, peat and oak. The flavors duplicate the aromas with a touch of spice and cola. Nicely blended tannins with bright underlying acidity. Seamless and gentle, with a modest tug of oak. A delicate expression of this vineyard in this vintage. Score: 90. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Jewell Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.64,150 cases, $42. Clones 777, 667 and 115. Harvest Brix 23.1º-24.8º. 100% de-stemmed.l Aged 10 months in 33% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Initially shy, but pleasing aromas of dark red cherries and berries take on more intensity over time in the glass. Mid weight flavors of Bing cherry and dark red berries are complimented by a note of savory herbs and cola. Soft tannins, a silky mouth presence, and respectable finishing length. A charming wine. Score: 90. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Jewell Appian Way Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.70, 125 cases, $45. Clones 777, 667 and 115 in Goldridge soil. Harvest Brix 24.4º. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Fantastic aromatic presence with electric aromas of dark raspberries, Hoison sauce and exotic spices. The rich core of delicious dark red, spicy berry fruits is elevated by the citrus-driven acid spine. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is generous and focused. Hard to put this one down. Score: 94. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Joseph Jewell Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.57, 125 cases $33. Hallberg, Floodgate and Appian Way vineyards. Clones 115, 667, 777, and Pommard 4 and 5. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in 20% new Francois Frères French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherries and berries, oak, and a little funk. Moderately intense, earth-kissed dark stone fruit and cherry cola juicy flavors wrapped in supple tannins. Well-crafted but flavors don’t excite. Decent. Reviewed January 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Joseph Jewell Elk Prarie Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.63, 100 cases, $39. The vineyard sits at 1,200 feet on Fruitland Ridge. Yields were 1.75 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in 44% new Francois Frères and Rousseau French oak barrels. · Lightest in color of the 2009 Pinot Noirs. Beguiling aromas of cherry essence with hints of strawberry, rose petal and spice. Delicious core of medium-weighted black cherry and raspberry flavors impressing the mid palate and carrying over with emphasis on the lengthy finish. Mild dusty tannins and well-honed acidity create a beautifully balanced wine that really draws you back to the glass. A perfect marriage of pedigreed vineyard and impeccable winemaking. Reviewed January 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Joseph Jewell Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.62, 250 cases, $42. Floodgate Vineyard is owned by Hambrecht Vineyards and farmed by Warren Burton. The name comes from its location next to Mark West Creek which floods every year and submerges the flat areas of the vineyard. This wine is sourced from three different blocks and includes clones 777, 667 and 115. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in 30% new Francois Frères and Rousseau French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Enticing aromatics featuring scents of dark red cherries and berries, exotic timber, and spice. Discreetly concentrated flavors of red stone fruits and red berries with accents of brown spice, fruit leather and herbs. Silky on the palate with well-mannered and supportive dusty tannins. Very good. Reviewed January 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Joseph Jewell Appian Way Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.65, 125 cases, $45. The 2-acre Appian Way Vineyard is located just outside the town of Forestville and was planted in 2001 on a former organic apple orchard site. The clones are 115, 777 and Pommard, rooted in Goldridge soil. Tom and Kelly Keegan are the owners. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 10 months in 20% new Francois Frères French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A highly nuanced perfume jumps out of the glass with scents of black cherries, nutmeg, baking spice and leaf. Tasty black cherry core with a modest attack, finishing short with a slight floral undertone. The tannins are dry, firm and reserved, and the wine is easy to drink. Good (+). Reviewed January 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2007 Joseph Jewell Wines Appian Way Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.51, 50 cases, $45. From a 2-acre vineyard planted to 60% 115, 20% 777, and 20% Pommard 4 and 5 clones. Goldridge sandy loam. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of spiced plums, cherries, and green herbs. An unusual bottling from the Russian River Valley offering flavors of red plums, cherry skins, pomegranate, and even white peaches with a hint of citrus and chocolate truffle. Delicate and zingy in style with a dry, tangy finish. Good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 ARTICLE »