Jeff Wilkes, Winemaker at J. Wilkes Winery, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Barbara County

I am dedicated to producing only small lots of handcrafted wines that have extraction while maintaining the natural delicacy of the grapes. Over the past two decades, I've developed strong relationships with growers along California's central coast and Napa Valley. I have searched out the finest vineyards that produce naturally balanced vines that require a minimum of manipulation to achieve vine balance and low yields. By knowing the growers and their vineyard sites, I am able to pick and choose to find not only the best vineyards, but also the best sites within each vineyard. These sites are destined to produce grapes for the wines that bear the J. Wilkes name.

I am always experimenting with new and better ways to create wines of distinction. I love what I do and am proud of the wines I offer. I hope you enjoy them, and welcome your comments.

Cheers,
Jeff Wilkes

ENO: You are orignally from?
Jeff Wilkes: I was born in Texas, raised in New Mexico, Phoenix and Newport Beach, California. I moved the Santa Barbara in 1984.

ENO: Why pinot noir?
JW: Santa Maria Valley and Santa Barbara County both have the ideal climate to turn out a great pinot noir. The seasons are almost opposite, the summer days are warm but because of the Pacific Ocean currents the nights are dramtically cooloer. Last year Bien Nacido had its first frost in ten years! Santa Maria Valley is a great place to grow pinot noir - the flavors mature and are perfectly balenced. The acidicity and sugar balance out where you don't need to add anything to produce a great pinot. The flavors are usually of ripe red and black fruits.

ENO: What was Santa Barbara County like back in 1984?
JW: It was more of a small town in those days. The 101 Freeway actually had stop lights and intersections when it passed through the city of Santa Barbara. The stoplights are gone now and we have a real freeway. The county was, and still is, pretty agricultural. Not only do we grow a lot of wine grapes but we grow a whole lot of strawberries, broccoli, and cut flowers. Today, small industries have also popped up around olive oil and lavender plantings.

ENO: How did you link up and get involved with Eno?
JW: I connected with Eno through my distributor, Wine-O-Rama in Chicago. I created several batches and sent samples to the wine directors at Eno. They choose their favorite and we went from there. Currently, Eno is the only one where I am doing this. They have a real interest in quality and are willing to work to get that quality. I think this is the best of all worlds: I want to produce the best and they want to find and purchase the best.

ENO: How would you describe the 'Eno' Pinot Noir?
JW: I get blackberry, black cherry, cola, exotic spices and a touch of oak. This is a great wine to sip on throughout the early evening. I believe Pinot Noir should be the "velvet hammer.' The wine should be soft and approachable yet it should explode with flavor in your mouth. I think this Pinot exhibits this "velvet hammer" style.

ENO: What does Chicago symbolize to you?
JW: Before visiting, I visualized Chicago as a town dominated by stock yards, railroads, the Bulls and the Bears. After visiting, I have come to really appreciate the art work and architecture. I was amazed to walk down the street in downtown Chicago and see a Calder sculpture installed on the sidewalk. The architecture is also phenomenal. During my last trip, I was able to see Frank Lloyd Wright's home and other houses he designed in the area. I really enjoy visiting Chicago and look forward to coming out this spring.

For more information on Jeff Wilkes visit www.jwilkeswine.com

J. Wilkes "ENO" Pinot Noir - Made exclusively for Eno, this pinot noir is sustainably farmed at Bien Nacido Vineyards and produced by J. Wilkes in Santa Maria, California. With notes of dark cherry, baking spice, cinnamon and sandalwood, the "ENO" Pinot Noir is available as part of the "Pinot Envy" wine flight ($17) and in the retail section for $38.