Winery: Jacuzzi Vineyards

Vintage: 2010

Wine Name/Vineyard: Estate Pinot Noir

Wine Category: Pinot Noir

Grape blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma

State or country: California

Price: $25.00

ABV: 13.5%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  87 points

Review date: February 03, 2020

About the Winemaker:  The Jacuzzi family has quite a history. Since emigrating from Italy they have contributed to America through creation. They have innovated in multiple industries including aviation and water pumps (yes the ever- popular Jacuzzi tub holds their name).  Another skill they brought over from Italy was experience in farming grapes.  Jacuzzi Family Vineyards was opened in 2007 By Fred Cline it is named in honor of his grandfather Valeriano Jacuzzi.

Color:  Burgundy

Nose:  Cranberry, blackberries, floral notes, and oak.

Taste: Strawberry, cranberry, smoke, wild mushrooms, earth, and oak. Sustained earthy finish

Assessment:  When I first pulled this bottle off of my wine rack and saw the date, I was a bit concerned.  I thought at 11 years old it might be past its prime.  I cut the foil cap off and noticed the cork looked to be in perfect condition.  I pulled the cork out slowly hoping it wouldn’t start to fall apart.  While I am sure to turn my bottles at least once a quarter to keep the corks moist, some still seem to lose their integrity.  To my delight, the cork pulled out as if it was new, it was in excellent shape.  So how was the wine?

The wine also was in great shape; in fact, this bottle of estate Pinot Noir improved with all of the time in the “cellar”.  I remember tasting it years ago and liked it enough to buy it, but it got better.   The wine offers soft acidity and a silky-smooth texture.  The body is a little heavier than what I’d look for in a Pinot Noir, but the extra weight is clearly not due to grapes having been picked too late.  The complexity of the character is nice, and the wine has backbone, but I feel like some additional tannic presence would bring this wine up to another level. At around $25 dollars a bottle this wine is a good value.

The 2010 vintage was drinking great now, newer vintages will stand up to multiple years of aging.

Jacuzzi Vineyards 2010 Estate Pinot Noir is a good wine.  87 points.

Pairing recommendation:  Cavatappi with Italian sausage and red bell pepper, Havarti, or a high-quality milk chocolate.