Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

This wine has put Jeff Emery back into the stratosphere. It is a wine that is eminently drinkable and loveable. Hard to even imagine it comes from the house of earth, mushrooms and celibacy – oh, ok, postponed gratification. This is an elixir meant to be loved right now, although it can certainly take a nap in your lovely cedar wine cabinet for a few years or so. This wine wants to dance in your mouth, swirling every color of scarf in the wind and turning the perfect pirouette, over and over again. The aromas are so earthy, with that hint of mushroom that Jeff so loves, plus lovely blackberries and strawberries. It’s so classic Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot – gorgeous, fleshy, yet high strung.

The Branciforte Creek vineyard was planted around 1988. Jeff and Ken made their first crop in 1991 under their original label. It then went to David Bruce in a vine-tending-for-grapes contract through the 2002 vintage. In 2003, Jeff regained control of the vineyard, which is located on Jarvis Road, only a mile away from the old Estate Vineyard. At one time in history, it was part of the same Jarvis Brother's Vineyard originally planted in 1863.

Indeed, this Pinot Noir extends itself into the rafters, as far as Jeff’s winemaking is concerned, and yet it is seriously grounded in the historically significant winemaking style that Jeff has developed over his two decades with Ken. A wonderful effort and well rewarded.

Reviewed February 12, 2008 by Laura Ness.

Other Awards & Accolades

Double Gold Medal - 2008 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition