Today’s Joseph Jewell Wines 2010 Floodgate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir hails from one of the most well-known and most successful of Pinot Noir vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The Floodgate Vineyard has enjoyed a long and prestigious history, with Gary Farrell, Alysian, Cartograph Wines and others sourcing Pinot Noir there. Today’s wine was made from select blocks of hillside vines where exposure to sun and the elements is optimal.

Whereas most wineries are already releasing their 2011 wines, Joseph Jewell chose to wait until the wine was perfect. This is quite a feat for any winery, as release dates can sometimes be motivated by desire for cash-flow over readiness. Joseph Jewell chooses the long and careful pathway from vineyard to your table. This elegant wine gets its fine ruby color from an extended 5 day cold soak. The ruby juice then moves on to rest in the finest French oak barrels - until the wine is ready to go to bottle. From there, it rests until it is ready to release to you.

This wine is classic Russian River, with lovely fruit that is balanced against elegant elements of spice and earthiness. Fruits really come alive as you spin the wine in your glass. Please decant or swirl this wonderful wine for best results. One of our esteemed panelists, whom we call “Dr. Pinot”, said this of the wine, “When you first open this wine, you say, ‘hmm’. Then, after five minutes, ‘HMMM’. After ten minutes, ‘YEAH!’” We agree with Dr. Pinot, who also said, “This wine has very fine tannins and much more structure than most 2010s that I’ve tasted.”