Elk Prairie
The first vineyard under the control of Jewell Wines, Elk Prairie taught Adrian about the potential of Humboldt County Pinot Noir.
2021 Tasting Notes
The 2021 Elk Prairie Pinot Noir displays a vibrant ruby hue, revealing a harmonious blend of fruit and earth. Intertwined with the freshness of cherry and raspberry are subtle hints of granite, adding a layer of earthiness, and duck fat, contributing richness, while delicate floral notes add to the wine’s aromatic complexity. The flavors unfold gracefully, showcasing a well-defined mid-palate structure followed by a soft, silky smooth finish imbued with a zesty liveliness that lingers long after.
Accolades
Vintages
2021
2021 Vintage Notes
On the heels of 2020, which was a rollercoaster of difficult decisions due to COVID and late-season fires, it wasn’t hard to have a vintage that seemed great. In hindsight, however, 2021 was the vintage of a lifetime. We had a dry and cold winter that was followed by a warm spring which led to a balanced fruit set. The lack of rain created smaller yields and more concentrated fruit. We had a very cool August and September, allowing the vines to fully develop phenolic ripeness without compromising the acidity or aromatics in the wines. With time, the 2021 Vintage will prove to be one of the best vintages in California history for Pinot Noir.
Winemaking Notes
Planted in 1992 this vineyard is the first Humboldt County source for Joseph Jewell. This vineyard taught Adrian about the potential of Humboldt County Pinot Noir. We’ve been producing from Elk Prairie since 2008 and more recently started farming the vineyard. This is the first vineyard under the control of Jewell Wines. The site is densely planted with a spacing of 5 feet by 4 feet. Located on Fruitland Ridge which separates the main stem and the south forks of the Eel river, the vineyard sits at 1200 feet elevation on a very steep south facing slope. The site is dry farmed.
