The first commercial vintage for Jackson Family Wines after its purchase of Zena Crown Vineyard west of Salem, Ore., is a collaboration of winemakers Tony Rynders and Shane Moore, and they use the sigma sign to designate mathematical symbol of “the sum.” Indeed, this is deep dark red fruited Pinot Noir is a reflection of the sum of Zena East blocks 4, 5 and 12, and Moore’s approach to this bottling of 40 percent whole cluster leads to a 17-month program in French oak. That leads to aromas of black cherry, blackberry and dark boysenberry with bittersweet chocolate and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, there’s a theme of plumminess with black cherries that transitions to a structure of refined tannins and bright cranberry sauce acidity. Bring on the turkey, duck or Cornish game hens.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 302 cases
Alcohol: 12.9%
Subscribe to our Wine of the Week newsletter
Leave a Reply