1988 Jensen Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 1988 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard is remarkably beautiful and light on its feet, which is incredible, considering the minuscule yields of just a halt ton per acre. Sweet, perfumed and gracious, the 1988 boasts strking inner perfume, striking depth and fabulous balance. The long, pliant finish suggests the 1988 will drink well for another few years, although I can't imagine it will be more expressive than it is today. Drought conditisions and tiny yields combined to produce a head-turning Pinot that is still dazzling today. According to proprietor Josh Jense "1988 was the worst drought year we had seen until the current cycle. I thought our vines were dying. We were trucking water up to the vineyard five times a day, which is unheard of for any kind of farming."
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One of the most profound Pinot Noirs I have ever tasted ... anywhere, this extraordinary 14-year old wine remains extremely youthful in spite of its majestic display of aromas and flavors. Boasting prodigious concentration in addition to a stunning smorgasbord of aromas (Japanese soy, candied red and black fruits, autumnal leaves, forest floor, and caramels), it is opulent and dense, with spectacular concentration, medium to full body, and surprising lightness in the mouth. This stunning effort proves that this vineyard can compete with France’s most magical red Burgundies. Not yet fully mature, it should evolve for another decade. Unbelievable wine!
About the producer
Discover the wines from Josh Jensen’s pioneering estate in the Mount Harlan AVA, crafting elegant Pinot Noir from limestone soils in California