“…the 2018 Pinot Noir J. Wilkes Santa Maria Valley comes from the Santa Maria Valley and was brought up in the 30% new French oak. Candied cherries, violets, orange blossom, and sappy flower notes all emerge from the glass. It’s nicely textured and medium-bodied, with a subtle, elegant style and a good finish.” Jeb Dunnuck
Aromatics
2018 added another five weeks of hang time yielding a deeper and darker blackberry and blueberry aroma profile. The typical black cherry, loam-earth and savory white pepper nuances are still showing under the dense fruit.
Palate & Food Pairing
Ripe on entry and elegant in the mid-palate, with a classy and refined mineral finish that promises a delicious glass tonight, or amazing development over the next 5-12 years in the cellar.
Cassoulet, Roast Duck with a Wild Mushroom Tart or soft cheeses like Affine or Eppoisses.
J. Wilkes Wines was established in 2001 by Jefferson Wilkes, a widely respected wine industry veteran who loved the community of Santa Maria and sailing the Pacific Coast.
J. Wilkes Wines are blended from the best vineyards on the Central Coast of California. The goal in crafting these wines is to source the highest quality fruit and to age and bottle the wines with a focus on allowing vintage and region to show clearly and deliciously.
We got shipped 2 of these, one was opened Saturday night at the SoCal Swap-meet and the other I opened tonight. I often find I don’t take good mental notes in the social meet ups soon opened the other tonight to take better notes.
I initially put this in the fridge for about 20 minutes and that left my first glass still a little warmer than I would have liked.
Color is a clear medium ruby, the nose is full fruit, tart/sour cherry and juicy strawberry, at its warmest it came across as more of a raspberry profile. A little spice initially and moderate oak but very little noticeable alcohol. This is definitely a young wine, it doesn’t need much time to open up, I’ll post tomorrow night if there is any significant change with some air.
The palate is the same general profile as above, the wine is dry, medium-light bodied, very little tannins are present. Again, mostly fruit, restrained oak.
This is 100% california Pinot, it’s not over the top but there is no mistaking what’s in your glass. It’s a good daily drinker at this price, I’d buy if I don’t just have a bunch of cases show up at my house… don’t even think about it Ron!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir - $40 = 22.21%
Black-raspberry, dark-cranberry, thyme, sage and turned earth aromas all arise on the nose of this bottling—a great option for every day sipping. There’s a strong herbal kick to the palate, with oregano and marjoram decorating the dried cherry flavors. MK 8/1/20
"4 Talkies. A near work of art and meaningful branding.
Excellent for retail.
J. Wilkes 2018 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley ($30)
Aged five months in 30% new French oak, this
vintage is a touch riper than its predecessors, to
great effect. Overlaying sandalwood and cumin,
dark cherry and raspberry form the finish alongside
slightly funky earth, like somebody dropped some kimchi on a stroll through the forest. The delicate black-and-white illustration functions nicely on an otherwise clean label. 92." March 2020
And from Vinous
By Antonio Galloni
Santa Barbara: 8/1/2020
90 points
(J. Wilkes Pinot Noir (santa Maria Valley) Central Coast Red) The 2018 Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) is a terrific wine at this level. Crushed flowers, raspberry, mint and blood orange perk up this perfumed mid-weight Pinot nicely. Light on its feet and aromatic, the 2018 offers tons of near and medium term appeal. (Drink between 2020-2024)
Oo… Two days in a row on the Swap Meet rat bottles!
I agree with Cortot on most of this (and i’ll also defer since he contemplated the wine, i merely drank during the event).
It is a good-value central coast Pinot Noir. Crisp acids in the raspberry/tart strawberry vein. No earthiness, sous bois, dankness. It’s bright and fresh and easy.
Since there were two bottles at the Swap i kept taking little pours throughout the night. I didn’t notice it changing as much as other wines.
And i think honestly, this would have been my go-to bottle last night trying to pair with a Caprese sandwich. It’s got the zip to cut the mozzarella fat but would play well with the acids in the tomato.
@radiolysis I generally agree with this and with Cortot. Despite the higher pH, it’s balanced with acidity and is a young fruity CA Pinot. I found it to have some smoky hints here and there as well. I’d drink it quite happily as a cellar saver or bring it to parties anywhere somebody might enjoy a glass. It’s really hard to not like this wine.
@rtharak2 Just like my wine: adorable when young, full of bright, nascent energy and has a good chance to be an excellent and noble companion as a decade wears on.
Curious chemistry on this one. With a pH close to 3.9, I would expect to see much lower acid levels, especially post ML. Wes, any comments on this? And great to see Wes and J Wilkes on here! Cheers!
pH/TA combo were a little goofy after a long and cool 2018 in SMV. That 7 g/l will speak volumes compared to the pH in this one. More fish in the aquarium (TA) moving a little slower (pH). Wouldn’t change a thing on this! Thanks for weighing in, Lar!
Initial impression on the nose is light floral aromas very inviting. First taste reminds me of a very soft and young Pinot, a bit tart and sour mid pallet with very soft tannins. This can easily be a daily drinker, I was impressed by the bottle and enjoyed it.
I told my self to hold off on buying more wine, especially after picking up much more than expected at the meet up but after tasting this I am picking a set.
2018 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley
Tasting Notes
90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Aromatics
Palate & Food Pairing
Specs
Included in the Box
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$392.50 at J. Wilkes Wines for 12x 2018 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley
Not for sale online, $360/case MSRP
About The Winery
J. Wilkes Pinot Noir Video
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, WA, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 7 - Tuesday, Dec 8
J. Wilkes Pinot Noir
4 bottles for $59.99 $15/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir
We got shipped 2 of these, one was opened Saturday night at the SoCal Swap-meet and the other I opened tonight. I often find I don’t take good mental notes in the social meet ups soon opened the other tonight to take better notes.
I initially put this in the fridge for about 20 minutes and that left my first glass still a little warmer than I would have liked.
Color is a clear medium ruby, the nose is full fruit, tart/sour cherry and juicy strawberry, at its warmest it came across as more of a raspberry profile. A little spice initially and moderate oak but very little noticeable alcohol. This is definitely a young wine, it doesn’t need much time to open up, I’ll post tomorrow night if there is any significant change with some air.
The palate is the same general profile as above, the wine is dry, medium-light bodied, very little tannins are present. Again, mostly fruit, restrained oak.
This is 100% california Pinot, it’s not over the top but there is no mistaking what’s in your glass. It’s a good daily drinker at this price, I’d buy if I don’t just have a bunch of cases show up at my house… don’t even think about it Ron!
@CorTot
@CorTot Thanks for the review. Hope the meet up went well.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 J. Wilkes Pinot Noir - $40 = 22.21%
From Wine Enthusiast:
Black-raspberry, dark-cranberry, thyme, sage and turned earth aromas all arise on the nose of this bottling—a great option for every day sipping. There’s a strong herbal kick to the palate, with oregano and marjoram decorating the dried cherry flavors. MK 8/1/20
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/j-wilkes-2018-pinot-noir-santa-maria-valley/
and from Tasting Panel Magazine it gets:
"4 Talkies. A near work of art and meaningful branding.
Excellent for retail.
J. Wilkes 2018 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley ($30)
Aged five months in 30% new French oak, this
vintage is a touch riper than its predecessors, to
great effect. Overlaying sandalwood and cumin,
dark cherry and raspberry form the finish alongside
slightly funky earth, like somebody dropped some kimchi on a stroll through the forest. The delicate black-and-white illustration functions nicely on an otherwise clean label. 92." March 2020
https://www.tastingpanelmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tasting-Panel-Digital2-March-2020.pdf
fwiw
In for a case…Thanks for the early rat review!
/giphy windy-blue-interest
@TimW you are welcome. There should be other opinions coming as well.
@CorTot @TimW
The above looks like a pretty good opinion to me…
@rjquillin @TimW lol, I wasn’t going to comment on that…
@CorTot @rjquillin sometimes you lose with the giphy roll of the dice, and sometimes you win.
@TimW Thanks for the review and the gif. I don’t mind folks imagining this when drinking our pinot noir!
And from Vinous
By Antonio Galloni
Santa Barbara: 8/1/2020
90 points
(J. Wilkes Pinot Noir (santa Maria Valley) Central Coast Red) The 2018 Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley) is a terrific wine at this level. Crushed flowers, raspberry, mint and blood orange perk up this perfumed mid-weight Pinot nicely. Light on its feet and aromatic, the 2018 offers tons of near and medium term appeal. (Drink between 2020-2024)
@jhkey Thanks for posting!
/giphy terrifying-courageous-ladybug
Oo… Two days in a row on the Swap Meet rat bottles!
I agree with Cortot on most of this (and i’ll also defer since he contemplated the wine, i merely drank during the event).
It is a good-value central coast Pinot Noir. Crisp acids in the raspberry/tart strawberry vein. No earthiness, sous bois, dankness. It’s bright and fresh and easy.
Since there were two bottles at the Swap i kept taking little pours throughout the night. I didn’t notice it changing as much as other wines.
And i think honestly, this would have been my go-to bottle last night trying to pair with a Caprese sandwich. It’s got the zip to cut the mozzarella fat but would play well with the acids in the tomato.
@radiolysis thank you for the review.
@radiolysis I generally agree with this and with Cortot. Despite the higher pH, it’s balanced with acidity and is a young fruity CA Pinot. I found it to have some smoky hints here and there as well. I’d drink it quite happily as a cellar saver or bring it to parties anywhere somebody might enjoy a glass. It’s really hard to not like this wine.
@klezman @radiolysis Thanks much for the review. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Sounds like a Pinot Noir up my wife’s alley. In for a case
/giphy perennial-abrasive-name
@normanl0
Decant with a swirl from the Elder Wand, works every time. Honestly, this wine is better the second day open right now.
/giphy misunderstood-untalented-dog
@rtharak2 Just like my wine: adorable when young, full of bright, nascent energy and has a good chance to be an excellent and noble companion as a decade wears on.
Curious chemistry on this one. With a pH close to 3.9, I would expect to see much lower acid levels, especially post ML. Wes, any comments on this? And great to see Wes and J Wilkes on here! Cheers!
@tercerowines having tasted it I was surprised that the pH was so high. It’s definitely not a tart wine but wasn’t flabby either.
@tercerowines
pH/TA combo were a little goofy after a long and cool 2018 in SMV. That 7 g/l will speak volumes compared to the pH in this one. More fish in the aquarium (TA) moving a little slower (pH). Wouldn’t change a thing on this! Thanks for weighing in, Lar!
I got to taste this as well during the meet up.
Initial impression on the nose is light floral aromas very inviting. First taste reminds me of a very soft and young Pinot, a bit tart and sour mid pallet with very soft tannins. This can easily be a daily drinker, I was impressed by the bottle and enjoyed it.
I told my self to hold off on buying more wine, especially after picking up much more than expected at the meet up but after tasting this I am picking a set.
@i8dacat Don’t forget to lay a few bottles down for 3-7 years. You may be very pleasantly surprised.
/giphy lacking-tangled-monkey
@i8dacat Are you sure that’s not me playing Call of Duty after three glasses?
/giphy painful-sad-doctor
@kevo152 Owwwww…Owwww…(when the Pinot runs out.)
/giphy bawdy-mammoth-quail
