The fundamental belief in the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy is that limestone rich soils create great Pinot Noir. Winemaker and founder Josh Jensen searched the diverse soils of California in search of this characteristic. In 1974 he identified a high elevation parcel south of San Francisco that was a former limestone quarry. It was called Mt. Harlan. In 1975 Josh planted three unique parcels of Pinot Noir on this site and released his first wines in 1975. It is part of the Duckhorn portfolio of wines.

The Jensen vineyard rests on Gavilan Mountain and was named after Josh’s father Stephen. This Pinot Noir is sourced from older vines and beckons you with its light crimson color. There is an undercurrent of crème de cassis infused with black olive and a potpourri of spices. This finesse-driven wine is bolstered by a framework of stony minerality and chalk.

By W Peter Hoyne