Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Noir
Joel Gott source the fruit for this wine from the Eola-Amity Hills and Yamhill-Carlton appellations within Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where ideal growing conditions similar to those of Burgundy produce world-class Pinot Noir.
Grapes from the Eola-Amity Hills appellation adds great colour, concentration and tannin structure to the wine. The region’s cool climate stresses the vines, creating smaller, more concentrated fruit clusters that yield more complex, flavourful wines. Hillside vineyards planted in the Yamhill-Carlton appellation are on an old, ancient soil type found only in this area, allowing for bunches to ‘hang’ longer for better flavour development.
After harvest, fruit from each vineyard is hand-sorted and de-stemmed. The wine is made in open-top fermenters and punched down twice daily. This gentler and more traditional form of cap management helps to retain the soft tannin structure of Pinot Noir. After fermentation, the fruit is gently pressed in a basket press which results in softer, more elegant tannins. Ageing is approximately one year in 25% new French oak and 75% 1 – 3 year-old French oak
Aromas of ripe cherries, raspberries, blackberries and cola with notes of allspice. On the palate, bright fruit flavours and acidity lead to soft, velvety tannins on the mid-palate and a long, delicate finish with a hint of liquorice.
About the Producer
Joel Gott
Since their start in 1996, Joel Gott Wines have selected the best fruit from growing regions in California, Oregon and Washington which are blended to create well- balanced, clean, complex, and elegant wines.
Joel is a fourth-generation California vintner and a wine and food entrepreneur. He was born in Napa Valley and raised in the Sierra Foothills where his parents started Montevina Winery.
In 1996 Joel purchased several tons of Amador County Zinfandel from a family friend and grape grower, making his first wine with the help of his then-girlfriend now-wife and winemaker Sarah.
Sarah grew up in Marin County and, later, in Knights Valley in northern Sonoma County. She studied in the University of California at Davis’ Viticulture and Enology Department, where she graduated in 1993 with a degree in Fermentation Sciences. Following graduation, Sarah worked a few internships including one in Australia and one at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Napa Valley which later became a full-time position. Since 2004 she has worked alongside Joel.
Praised by the Wine Spectator, the Wine Advocate and the New York Times, Zinfandel helped put Joel Gott Wines on the map, and gave Joel the chance to produce additional varietals.
Joel has since partnered with Charles Bieler and Roger Scommegna on the upstart wine brand Three Thieves in 2001. In May 2009, Joel announced a joint venture with Trinchero Family Estates for the marketing and distribution of Joel Gott Wines.
