J.L. Kiff Vineyard

2016 J.L. Kiff Vineyard Pinot Noir

An early spring, a warm summer, and an early harvest. The vineyard continues to adjust to being dry-farmed. Vines that struggle make the best wines.

Price: $40 per bottle

Label art pen and ink by Adam Kiff

Review: Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast 91 pts

As in 2015, this estate-grown fruit hits 15% alcohol yet retains a fine, concentrated focus. The burnished fruit brings in strawberry rhubarb pie, cranberry and sharp black cherry notes. There are darker streaks of espresso also. Tasted twice over several months, this slightly reductive wine will benefit from another couple of years of bottle age. Drink after 2022.

Review: Doug Wilder, Purely Domestic Wine Report 94 pts

The nose is ripe and saturated black fruit, abundant spice and rose petal. There is excellent fruit intensity on entry that sustains into the mid-palate where layers of fruit and dry spice create a firmly focused finish. Drink 2020-2028.

2015 J.L. Kiff Vineyard Pinot Noir

A warm summer, and the first summer when we did not irrigate the vineyard. Intense and full-bodied.

Price: $40 per bottle

Label art watercolor by Erin Sullens

Review: Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast 93 pts EDITOR'S CHOICE

Sourced entirely from the estate, this supple, juicy and utterly delicious wine is also a very fine value. A jumble of raspberry, marionberry and blackberry fruit, it's had just the right amount of barrel aging to add a touch of toast and coffee to polished, fully ripened tannins. Despite the high alcohol, this is a wine of true finesse.

Review: Doug Wilder, Purely Domestic Wine Report 93 pts

The nose is lean cherry, spicy blueberry, and florals. The palate entry is a textured red apple, cherry, and pie spice leading to a core of crisp dry red stone fruit with beautiful weight and structure. Drink 2020-2028.