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You know those moments when Wednesday hits and the week feels like it’s dragging forever? Last night was exactly that for me. After a day of back-to-back meetings, I decided to treat myself with something special – the Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017. This wasn’t my first encounter with Patz & Hall, but I’d been saving this particular bottle for a rainy day (or in this case, a soul-crushing mid-week slump).
The Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 comes with quite the reputation in wine circles. Sourced from the Sonoma Coast, it promises that perfect balance of fruit and earthy complexity that good Pinot Noir delivers. And honestly? This wine doesn’t just talk the talk – it walks the walk with a confidence that made my Wednesday evening feel more like a Saturday celebration.
The Bottom Line: Is Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Worth Your Time?
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Let me cut to the chase about this Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 – it’s a gorgeous expression of what Sonoma Pinot can be. With its $79.99 price tag, it sits in that special occasion category for most of us, but delivers value that matches the investment.
What Won Me Over:
- Silky, elegant texture that feels luxurious
- Perfect balance between fruit and earthiness
- Wonderful complexity that keeps evolving in the glass
- Versatile enough for both solo sipping and pairing with food
Minor Drawbacks:
- The $79.99 price point puts it in special occasion territory
- If you prefer bold, in-your-face reds, this might seem too restrained
- Needs some time to open up – don’t rush this one
Tasting the Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017
From the moment I poured this Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 into my glass, I knew I was in for something special. The color alone is captivating – a beautiful ruby with garnet edges that catch the light perfectly. I’ll admit I spent a good minute just admiring it before diving in.
The nose on this wine is nothing short of fascinating. First came waves of ripe cherries and pomegranate, followed by more complex notes of forest floor and mushrooms. With more air time, hints of cinnamon stick, clove, and a touch of vanilla emerged. It’s the kind of aromatic profile that keeps you coming back for another whiff.
Taking that first sip was a revelation. The Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 delivers exactly what the nose promises but with even more depth. The fruit notes are generous without being overwhelming – think fresh-picked black cherries, cranberries, and that distinctive pomegranate tartness. What really sets this apart from other Pinot Noirs I’ve tried is the perfect acidity that keeps everything fresh and vibrant.
The tannins are present but wonderfully integrated – silky rather than grippy. The finish lingers with notes of baking spice and a subtle smokiness that makes you contemplate each sip. This isn’t a wine that punches you in the face with flavor; instead, it reveals itself gradually, layer by layer.
What Other Wine Lovers Are Saying
I’m not the only one swooning over the Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017. After sharing this bottle with friends during our monthly wine club night, the consensus was unanimous – this is a standout wine that deserves its reputation.
My friend Jess, who typically favors bolder Californian Pinot Noir styles, commented: “There’s something about this wine that feels both powerful and delicate at the same time. The layers just keep coming!”
Online reviews echo similar sentiments. Wine enthusiasts consistently praise its balance and complexity, with many noting it outperforms other Pinots at even higher price points. According to a recent review from Wine Enthusiast: “The 2017 Jenkins Ranch delivers remarkable purity of fruit balanced with savory elements that make this a standout example of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.”
What makes this Patz & Hall Pinot Noir particularly interesting in 2025 is how well it’s aging. With many 2017 California Pinots now hitting their stride, this bottle demonstrates why proper cellaring rewards patience.
Perfect Pairings for Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch
The versatility of this Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 makes it a dream for food pairings. I initially enjoyed it with herb-roasted chicken thighs and wild mushroom risotto – a combination that highlighted the wine’s earthy elements while complementing its fruit character.
This Sonoma Coast Pinot would also pair beautifully with:
- Grilled salmon with a cherry reduction
- Duck breast with roasted figs
- Mushroom Wellington for a vegetarian option
- A cheese board featuring aged Gruyère and Comté
For serving, I found that this wine benefits from a slight chill – about 15-20 minutes in the fridge before pouring. This helps preserve the vibrant fruit notes while allowing the subtle complexities to shine. And if you can, decant it for about 30 minutes before drinking to let it fully express itself.
Unlike some lighter Sonoma Coast Pinots, the Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch has enough structure to stand up to richer dishes while maintaining that characteristic Pinot elegance. This makes it particularly versatile for dinner parties where you’re serving multiple courses.
Is the Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir Worth the Price?
At $79.99, the Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 represents a significant investment for most wine drinkers. But here’s the honest truth – in the current 2025 wine market where quality Pinot Noir prices continue to climb, this bottle delivers tremendous value.
What you’re paying for is not just the delicious liquid in the bottle, but the pedigree of one of Sonoma’s most respected producers. Patz & Hall has specialized in single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay since 1988, establishing themselves as pioneers in the California wine scene.
The Jenkins Ranch vineyard, located in the Petaluma Gap area of the Sonoma Coast, benefits from cooling ocean influences that create ideal conditions for growing nuanced Pinot Noir. This specific terroir gives the wine its distinctive character that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.
Compared to other premium California Pinot Noirs in the $75-100 range, this wine punches above its weight class. While you could certainly find enjoyable Pinots for less (like the excellent Sur de los Andes Reserva), the depth and complexity here justify the splurge for special occasions or when you want to impress guests who appreciate fine wine.
Final Thoughts on This Sonoma Stunner
After spending quality time with the Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017, I can confidently say it ranks among the most impressive American Pinot Noirs I’ve had this year. What makes it stand out is its perfect balance – it delivers the fruit-forward character that makes California Pinot approachable while incorporating the structural elements and complexity that serious wine lovers crave.
The beauty of this wine in 2025 is that it’s hitting a perfect drinking window. At eight years of age, the 2017 vintage has softened just enough while maintaining vibrant fruit characteristics. If you have the opportunity to visit the wonderful wineries in Sonoma County, Patz & Hall should definitely be on your list.
Would I buy this wine again? Without hesitation. While it’s not an everyday drinker at this price point, it delivers a wine experience worth saving up for. It’s perfect for marking special occasions, impressing wine-loving friends, or simply treating yourself on those nights when only something truly exceptional will do.
The Patz & Hall Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir 2017 reminds me why I fell in love with Pinot Noir in the first place – its ability to be simultaneously delicate and powerful, familiar and surprising. In a world of mass-market wines, bottles like this showcase the magic that happens when passionate winemakers work with exceptional vineyards.
Whether you’re a seasoned Pinot enthusiast or looking to explore premium California wines, this bottle deserves a place in your collection. Just be warned – once you’ve experienced this level of Pinot Noir, it might be hard to go back to anything less!
