SUPERIOR WINE ALERT:

Today’s single vineyard Pinot Noir is an absolutely lovely wine made by a great boutique winery. With just over 200 cases produced be sure to pick up an allocation of this delicious wine before it is gone forever.

SECRET SAVINGS ALERT:

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Mission Codename: Nothin’ Phony About Stony

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure a delicious single vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: James Family Cellars

Wine Subject: 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Winemaker: Mat Gustafson

Backgrounder:

The Sonoma Coast AVA is the 750 square mile area with the Pacific ocean on its western boundary, the San Pablo Bay to the south and Mendocino County to the north, headed inland to the other designated AVAs in Sonoma County. The region is heavily influenced by the cooler ocean climate, increased rainfall and fog that lingers long on the coastal mountains. The specific climate suits the demanding Burgundian varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir very well.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Bright and crystal clear ruby red that effortlessly fades from ruby to pink along the edges. Alternating fast and slow thin legs ring the edge of the glass when swirled.

Smell – Soft and well integrated but youthful in character with aromas of tart and ripe raspberry and red cherry with hints of vanilla toast (reminiscent of toasted marshmallow), subtle earth, herb and floral notes and a touch of gun smoke and mocha coffee.

Feel – This medium-bodied wine is extremely smooth on the palate with fine easy tannins and medium acidity that adds just a touch of tanginess. Hints of medium spice hit the edges and back of the tongue.

Taste – Fresh and luscious tart and ripe red raspberry and red cherry supported by flavors of vanilla oak and hints of caramel and mocha. A touch of spice, earth, fresh herbs and gun smoke add to the overall complexity but do so without overpowering the silky texture and flavors of this wine.

Finish – Medium in length, clean and fresh with lingering fruit, toasted vanilla and hints of spice.

Conclusion – The 2007 James Family Cellars Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a delicious wine that shows tremendous finesse and elegance all the while being plush, fresh and youthful in its aromas, texture and flavors. Easy to drink, this wine is an absolutely perfect way to start a Spring meal or simply to enjoy on a warm afternoon as the days become longer. This wine is drinking perfectly right now and should continue to develop for the next few years.

Mission Report:

Everyone knows that I am the real brains behind The Wine Spies. I push the buttons and turn the dials that keep our organization moving at maximum efficiency.

For today’s wine, I cleverly and covertly leaked some tasty intel to the winery itself – and that led them to seek out Agent Red. The winery contacted Red through back channels and a meeting was set at the winery property in Cotati, California. What follows is his brief report:

I was lucky enough to snag today’s choice assignment. Its always nice when a winery comes to us, especially when that winery thinks that they found us on their own. In reality, Agent White worked his magic, and the winery sought me out.

Emails exchanged, phone calls made and appointments set, I set off toward the vineyards which house the James Family Cellars winery. I knew from the approximate location, that the estate vineyards were set in among some of the largest vineyards in the area, those owned by wine giant Gallo. Gallo is a really interesting topic for another day. Suffice to say that Gallo actually happens to make a few really surprisingly great wines, some of which come from – you guessed it – these neighboring vineyards.

The day was sunny, clear and pristine. As I drove up, I spotted co-owner Judy James. As I parked, she walked up and greeted me. The vineyards here were perfectly tended and very neat. The first tiny buds were just starting to appear and Judy explained that everything was looking just perfect.

Inside the ranch house, I met the other co-owner, husband Jeff James. After a few pleasantries, we sat down at a long dining table. Bottles were presented, wine was poured, and lively conversation ensued.

These James’ were warm and very down to earth folks. Born of a multi-generational Sonoma Country farming family, Judy James describe to me that they had been growing grapes on their estate property for Schramsberg winery, for its sparkling wine program. The grapes were creating such good wines, that, in 2007, they decided to craft their own Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Jeff James is humble about his wines, which are of remarkable quality for such a new wine label. He attributes the quality to the great fruit that is grown right here on the family’s estate property.

Handled minimally, farmed sustainably and using more natural techniques, the grapes are lovingly crafted into fine wines. This nurturing of vineyard, grape and wine leads to remarkable, award winning wines. Their Pinot Noir is extremely impressive for such a young wine. This is a brilliant testament to the land, the fruit, the people and the love that is each bottle produced here.

This wine get a very solid Wine Spies recommendation. Available in such small quantities, be sure to pick some up – before we run out, dear Operative.

Agent Red, OUT.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the James Family Cellars can be seen in this satellite photo.