J. Wilkes
Wines Of Character, Wines Of Place
Founder - Jeff Wilkes
After a long and rewarding career as a salesman, grape grower and ambassador for Santa Maria and Paso Robles wine, Jeff Wilkes decided to try his hand at winemaking.
He went to his long time employer and friend, Steve Miller, with a proposal to create wines that focused on California’s Central Coast, through the lens of two of its sub-AVA’s (American Viticultural Areas) – Santa Maria and Paso Robles Highlands.
Jeff launched his namesake label in 2001 and immediately received critical acclaim for his wines. He continued on this path until 2010, making his last vintage before his untimely passing later that year.
Inspired by Jeff’s vision and moved by their friendship, the Miller family decided to continue the J. Wilkes label as a tribute to Jeff’s undying passion for the Santa Maria and Paso Robles wine regions.
Santa Maria Valley
- The Santa Maria Valley appellation is the third oldest in the United States, established in 1981, the same year as the Napa Valley AVA.
- Santa Maria’s unique transverse valley acts as a funnel, channeling in cool maritime influences and depositing them throughout the wide valley.
- Ocean temperatures off the coast are typically 55° to 59°F, fueled by a feature called the Coriolis effect that upwells deep and colder waters to the Santa Maria coast.
- Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 75°F, providing a long and optimal growing season for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Santa Maria Valley
Paso Robles Highlands
- The Paso Robles Highlands AVA lies thirty miles from Morro Bay & the Pacific Ocean. It’s eastern boundary line is made by the Santa Lucia coastal mountain range.
- Paso Robles Highlands distinctive climate offers the widest day-night temperature swing (diurnal shift) of any grape growing region in California.
- Rich in fossilized limestone soils, resulting from millions of years of marine deposits, Paso Robles Highlands’ terroir uniquely stresses grape vines to create world-class wines.
- The resulting wines demonstrate deep, intense flavors, balanced by structure and elegance.
J. WILKES
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
CHARDONNAY
J. WILKES
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
PINOT BLANC
J. WILKES
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
J. WILKES
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
PINOT NOIR
J. WILKES SANTA MARIA VALLEY
CHARDONNAY
J. WILKES SANTA MARIA VALLEY
PINOT BLANC
J. WILKES SANTA MARIA VALLEY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
J. WILKES SANTA MARIA VALLEY
PINOT NOIR
Winemaker
WES HAGEN
- Wes worked as Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Clos Pepe Vineyard and Estate for twenty-one years and is considered an industry leader in Central Coast Wines.
- In 2013, Michael Cervin (Wall Street Journal, Decanter) rated Wes as one of the 100 Most Influential Winemakers in the United States.
- Wes researched, wrote and obtained approval for three AVA’s in Santa Barbara County, taught the Food & Wine program at Allan Hancock College and has been quoted numerous times in the Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast. elegance.
J. Wilkes Wines - Accolades
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
PINOT BLANC
Stone fruit, white fruit blossoms, crisp, bright, mineral and fruity . Profound tension between freshness structure with persistent and notable nectarine in the finish.
91 Points & Editor’s Choice – Wine Enthusiast
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
CHARDONNAY
Orange blossoms wafting near toasting French oak. Savory apple and lime zest, browned butter and brulee, clean ocean breeze with hints of tropical fruit Complex and surprisingly integrated.
93 Points – Tasting Panel Magazine
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Black, plum currant, cassis, ripe black cherry with hints of cocoa nibs, toffee and cedar. Fruity, juicy and ripe, with a rare combination of dense delicious fruit notes and a sense of balance and elegance. Paso – dust minerality and a long, bright, fruity finish.
92 Points – Tasting Panel Magazine
SANTA MARIA VALLEY
PINOT NOIR
Ripe red berry fruits, cherry pie, white pepper and quite complex for such a juicy youngster. This youthful wine speaks volumes about the future of Santa Maria Pinot Noir typicity…
93 Points – Tasting Panel Magazine, 91 Points – Vinours, 90 Points – Wine Spectator, 90 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
Tradition of Quality
Label Design
SPICE LEAF
Crumpling it in your hand creates the same aroma
as the inside of a wine barrel!
APPELLATION
Called out to set apart from other “county” or “coastal” wines.
WINES OF CHARACTER, WINES OF PLACE
Reinforces the special pedigree of these AVA designated wines.
Key Attributes
- Sub-Appellations” provide special lens to Central Coast Wines
- Rich history and tradition of quality.
- Highly acclaimed winemaker.
- Award winning wines.
