Since their start in 1996, Joel Gott Wines have selected the best fruit from growing regions in California, Oregon and Washington which they blend to create more balanced, clean, complex, and elegant wines. This week we paired two of Joel Gott’s most unique wines with our recipe feature of the week, Filet Mignon marinated in a Burgundy sauce, but our short romance just couldn’t do this label justice. We know before you even finish reading this article these two wines will be on the top of your list for your next visit to Mollie Stone’s.
2015 Oregon Pinot Noir – Eola Springs
Grown in the red volcanic soil of Eola Springs this warm vintage contains fruit that was able to reach full ripeness.
The aromas are a great black raspberry/blackberry jam concentration with notes of sandal wood. In the front you will taste the hints of fruit. Where as, in the mid-palette is where you will get the tannins structure and spice. The finish is where you will get the French oak.
In the video below we will let Joel describe how their process lends itself to creating their complex and elegant wines.
2016 Oregon Pinot Noir – Yamhill-Carlton
The Yamill-Carlton District in the Willamette Valley is known for the best pinot noir growing in the valley! Here the fruit is able to ripen very evenly and slowly and 2016 was a great year in particular with no big weather events or heat spikes allowing for the ideal conditions for this wine.
The aromas on this wine are classic, it’s those cherry cola cinnamon nutmeg notes at the front that make it a true Oregon Pinot Noir. In the mid-palette is where you will get the sweet and soft tannins from the French Oak. The finish provides a little spice and wood as well with flavors of anise and black pepper.
We think Joel continues to describe this one best! Watch the video below to learn more about why you should add this timeless wine to your home collection.
About Joel Gott
Coming from five generations of California vintners, it’s no surprise that Joel became a wine and food entrepreneur. At the start, in 1993, Joel and his brother Duncan scraped together the money to purchase Palisades Market in Calistoga, transforming the small market into a retail shop with gourmet prepared foods and fine wines.
Maxing out his credit cards, Joel purchased several tons of Zinfandel from family friend and grape grower Tom Dillian in 1996. He made the wine with the help of his then-girlfriend and winemaker Sarah, whom he married the following year. 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.
In 1999, Joel spotted another opportunity when a historic St. Helena burger stand came up for lease. Joel and Duncan decided to rebuild Taylor’s Refresher (now named Gott’s Roadside). The stand quickly became famous for its gourmet burgers and milkshakes. Two additional locations followed in San Francisco, Napa, and now their 3rd location is our neighbor in the Greenbrae Bon Air Shopping Center!
Joel then partnered with Charles Bieler and Roger Scommegna on the upstart wine brand Three Thieves in 2001. Now partnered with Trinchero Family Estates, the two companies produce Bandit, The Show and Newman’s Own. In May 2009, Joel announced a joint venture with Trinchero Family Estates for the marketing and distribution of Joel Gott Wines. Just a year later, Joel partnered with Napa Valley winemaker Dave Phinney and Trinchero Family Estates to produce Shatter, a French Grenache.
