When we consider the potential of a piece of land to grow world-class wine, we immerse ourselves in the physical characteristics of soil type, depth, texture and drainage, slope aspect, sun exposure, et cetera—myriad complex details. On site potential alone, Jentoft likely sits at the top of our entire vineyard portfolio. 

The site’s coastal marine soils are remarkably shallow with underlying sandstone bedrock poking through the topsoil. Lean, “boney” soils generally yield low-vigor vines and powerful wines, and that’s what we have here. The potential is incredible, and now that these vines are mature, we’re seeing the promise realized.

Our new vintage of Jentoft Vineyard Ryan Pinot Noir is highly evocative of this steep hillside site high in the coastal mountains surrounded by the forest. To me, it represents the essence of coastal Russian River Pinot Noir: intensity, vibrancy, deeply pitched fruits with pulsating acidity and an incredible length of flavor. We’ve bottled Ryan Pinot Noir from several sites since 2002 , and this is the pinnacle of achievement for this wine so far.

The wine opens with a sense of tiny dark intense wild berries, tart and explosive, pine needle freshness and hints of cedar amplifying the aromas. The palate is sappy, dark and elevated with Rainier cherry, cassis and huckleberry fruits. There’s laser-like intensity to the wine’s driving flavors as they expand along the dry, firm palate, exotic floral, gravelly nuances extending the lingering finish. No need to decant. Drink between 2020 and 2027. 

Review:

Moving to the Pinot Noirs, this is easily the finest lineup I've tasted from Andy Smith. These are magical wines that check in at the top of the vintage. The 2018 Pinot Noir Jentoft Vineyard Ryan comes from the Russian River Valley and was all destemmed and spent 15 months in 40% new French oak. This is classic Pinot Noir all the way with its ripe black raspberry, baking spices, forest floor, background oak, and earth. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it's seamless, flawlessly balanced, and has a great, great finish. It's a stunning example of world-class Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years or so. - Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points