An accomplished sailor, grape grower, and vintner with a passion for wine and a deep love of the ocean, Jeff Wilkes knew wholeheartedly the winemaking potential of California’s Central Coast. After selling wine grapes for the Miller Family for nearly 20 years, Jeff started crafting his own wine under his namesake J. Wilkes label, with 2001 marking his inaugural vintage.
After several years of seeing his wines regularly land on the menus of famed Michelin-starred restaurants, Jeff tragically passed away in 2010. Wanting to honor the legacy of their friend, the Miller Family subsequently purchased the J. Wilkes brand, thus enabling Jeff’s vision to live on. Today, J. Wilkes’ range of exquisite, sub-AVA crafted wines continues to showcase the diversity and allure of California’s acclaimed Central Coast.
2022 J. Wilkes Zinfandel, Paso Robles Highlands District
Aromatics
Vibrant notes of cranberry and blueberry dance gracefully, intertwined with delicate hints of vanilla and warm brown spice on the nose.
Palate
Rich with the essence of jammy cherry and ripe raspberry, our Zinfandel’s palate unfolds, culminating in a spicy finish that adds layers of depth and complexity.
Food Pairing
Classic pepperoni pizza or a hearty plate of red sauce pasta accompanied by a side of tangy Gorgonzola cheese.
Specs
Grapes: 100% Zinfandel
Aging: Aged in barrels for 15 months; 20% New American Oak
Appellation: Paso Robles Highlands District
Alcohol: 16%
pH: 3.57
TA: 6.0 g/L
Winemaker: Jonathan Nagy
2021 J. Wilkes Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles Highlands District
91 Points, Vinous 90 Points, James Suckling
Aromatics
Vivid aromas of brown spice, with subtle notes of vanilla and smoke.
Palate
Youthful and bright on the entry with mouth-watering intensity in the mid-palate, finishing with dark cherry, cassis, leather, and brown spice.
Food Pairing
Slow roast shoulder of lamb, mushroom stroganoff, green olives. Serve alongside a Charcuterie, and Brie or Blue Cheese.
Specs
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Paso Robles Highlands District
Fermentation: Fermented 14 days in tank
Aging: 25% was aged in new American oak barrels for 15 months
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.78
TA: 5.6 g/L
Winemaker: Jonathan Nagy
2021 J. Wilkes Petite Sirah, Paso Robles Highlands District
Aromatics
The nose reveals dark plum, wet earth, and florals, followed by hints of pepper, vanilla, and smoke on the finish.
Palate
On entry, delectable flavors of red plum, blackberry, and raspberry. The oak aging has provided a subtle chalky finish with some brown spice character.
Food Pairing
Grilled lamb chops with parmesan-herb crust, roasted radishes, and sautéed asparagus with Goat Gouda or Blue Cheese.
Specs
Grapes: 100% Petite Sirah
Appellation: Paso Robles Highlands District
Fermentation: Fermented 14 days on skins
Aging: 25% was aged in new American oak barrels for 15 months
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.52
TA: 7.3 g/L
Winemaker: Jonathan Nagy
What’s Included
3-bottles:
1x 2022 J. Wilkes Zinfandel, Paso Robles Highlands District
1x 2021 J. Wilkes Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles Highlands District
1x 2021 J. Wilkes Petite Sirah, Paso Robles Highlands District
Case:
4x 2022 J. Wilkes Zinfandel, Paso Robles Highlands District
4x 2021 J. Wilkes Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles Highlands District
4x 2021 J. Wilkes Petite Sirah, Paso Robles Highlands District
“The artist must be ready to be consumed by the fire of his own creation.” – Auguste Rodin
For centuries, winemakers have delighted in the unique spices imparted in their wines by fire charring oak barrels. Barrel Burner wines take the best the vineyard has to offer and complement the wine with alluring notes of toasted oak.
The Miller family’s California farming and ranching legacy dates to back to 1871, when William and Francis Broome moved from England to the West Coast of California and began farming in southern Ventura County.
The farming legacy passed down to William Broome’s granddaughter Elizabeth, and following her marriage to Robert Miller in 1942, the Miller Family became the steward of the farming business.
In 1973, the Miller family developed a vineyard in the Paso Robles highlands and named it French Camp for the Basque shepherds who once populated the area. The area had a special allure thanks to the largest day/night temperature swings, mineral rich soils and highest elevations in the regions.
The 1400 acres of French Camp provide the Miller Family with the highest quality fruit sources that help to create the highest quality wines.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
J. Wilkes Mixed Red Wines - $60 = 23.07%
Wine Review Online, the zin:
91 points. On one hand, sixty bucks seems like a big ask for this wine because of its relative simplicity, but on the other hand, its one (red berry) flavor is delicious, and its silky softness is appropriate for ripe Zinfandel. The stated alcohol is 16%, and as there’s some legal latitude in the numbers used for labeling, my guess is that the true number is higher rather than lower. In sum, this will prove to be a great find for those who love a cushy ride in their proverbial vinous automobile, but if you prefer a stiffer suspension, this may not be your thing. Michael Franz 11/13/24
vinous on the zin:
89 points. The 2022 Zinfandel (Paso Robles Highlands District) is the finest wine in this range from J. Wilkes. It offers tons of varietal character to match its exuberant, racy personality. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, mint, hard candy and white pepper linger. Drinking window: 2024 - 2028 Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2024
vinous on the cab franc:
91 points. The 2021 Cabernet Franc (Paso Robles Highlands District) is another outstanding wine in this range from J. Wilkes. There’s real depth and structure. Spice, tobacco, cedar and dried flowers all grace this super-expressive Franc. Here, too, a healthy dollop of American oak (25%) adds spiciness and a touch of vanillin sweetness that works so well for this style. A burst of red-toned fruit punctuates the finish. Drinking window: 2023 - 2026 Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2023
vinous, the petite sirah:
87 points. The 2021 Petite Sirah (Paso Robles Highlands District) is packed with jammy dark fruit, cloves, new leather, incense and sweet oak. I find the Petite a bit oaky. At the same time, the formidable Petite tannins are softened, giving this wine plenty of appeal. Drinking window: 2023 - 2026 Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2023
Bottle is attractive, simple, has some weight to it. Initial impressions has me excited about the bottle, I’m generally a fan of Paso Reds and their more bold expressions and usually find the fruit of the PS can hide high alcohol percentages that you usually get out of Paso. This wine is perplexing, around 13.5% so I’m not sure what to expect.
Pop and pour is as you expect, pours a very dark, opaque purple in the glass.
Initial fragrance is quite good right out of the bottle. Vanilla, plum, blackberry pie. No hint of alcohol.
First taste is very confusing. I’m hit with a very thin, almost watery mouth feel with a massive amount of sour acid / astringency. It just was truly underwhelming. There’s a long finish and it’s not unpleasant but it’s just not…good either. I leave it alone to try it later.
An hour or so later The sourness has diminished but it still feels thin. The finish is definitely long and there’s some very mouth drying tannins that kind of make you pucker up. Dried cranberry and some plum comes out, but none of the richness I associate with most PS.
Took the liberty of having a small glass with breakfast and not much for change. It’s smooth, a bit more rounded, the finish has shortened to medium+, some cherry flavor has come in.
I took the liberty of opening up one of my bottles of Darwinian III Petite Sirah from Swilly for comparison. I generally enjoy the Zeppelin PS, it can sometimes come across over extracted but all in all is enjoyable.
In comparison, the Zeppelin is all brooding, thick and viscous with much more currant and plum in the background, although muted. Also another brighter fruit that I associated with Strawberry but couldn’t quite place. Still no alcohol perception, despite the near 16% ABV. A short finish on this one. Different, not necessarily better, but more traditional PS style that I’m used to.
All in all, the J Wilkes is not your traditional thickly layered PS but is decent in its own right. It seems with some age or open bottle time it is quite drinkable but in it’s young age (for PS) does come across a bit flabby on initial opening.
I’ll do another drink tonight to see if any change.
@deadlyapp I should add, when I looked up the wine and saw a $60 MSRP I was a bit flabbergasted. I pegged this one as a $15/btl casemates price and seeing that it’s a mix, could be a good buy.
I had half of the bottle last night and recorked in fridge. Will revisit later today
Nice, clean, and classy label and bottle presentation with not much information on back label
Color: medium to deep garnet, clear
Moderate aroma with some red currant and some alcohol
Taste: a strong taste of currant and allspice? Too much for me (dissipated after airing out for 30 or so minutes). Body is medium fu with smooth tannins and moderate intensity
I used to drink more Zins but have gravitated towards lesser and brighter reds the past 3-4 years (Pinot, cool climate Rhône’s).
My overall impression of this wine so far is that it offers your typical Zinfandel notes of currant, some nutmeg and red fruits. I guessed the alcohol at 15.4 and was not surprised at 16 but it doesn’t come across as too hot. It’s fairly balanced and would appease Paso and Dry Creek Valley zin fans
I guessed $35 msrp and $15-$18 Casemates price. The $60 winery price is way too high but in line with what many wineries in overpriced Paso are charging per bottle these days. Paso is the new Napa Valley is what I hear and have witnessed in recent visits
Feel free to ask clarifying questions
and thank you Alice and WD for the opportunity to rat
Honoring the Legacy of Jeff Wilkes
2022 J. Wilkes Zinfandel, Paso Robles Highlands District
Aromatics
Palate
Food Pairing
Specs
2021 J. Wilkes Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles Highlands District
91 Points, Vinous
90 Points, James Suckling
Aromatics
Palate
Food Pairing
Specs
2021 J. Wilkes Petite Sirah, Paso Robles Highlands District
Aromatics
Palate
Food Pairing
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$684.00/Case for 4x 2022 J. Wilkes Zinfandel, Paso Robles Highlands District + 4x 2021 J. Wilkes Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles Highlands District + 4x 2021 J. Wilkes Petite Sirah, Paso Robles Highlands District at Miller Family Wine Company
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, Apr 24 - Monday, Apr 28
J. Wilkes Mixed Red Wines
3 bottles for $64.99 $21.66/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2022 J. Wilkes Zinfandel
2021 J. Wilkes Cabernet Franc
2021 J. Wilkes Petite Sirah
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
J. Wilkes Mixed Red Wines - $60 = 23.07%
Wine Review Online, the zin:
91 points. On one hand, sixty bucks seems like a big ask for this wine because of its relative simplicity, but on the other hand, its one (red berry) flavor is delicious, and its silky softness is appropriate for ripe Zinfandel. The stated alcohol is 16%, and as there’s some legal latitude in the numbers used for labeling, my guess is that the true number is higher rather than lower. In sum, this will prove to be a great find for those who love a cushy ride in their proverbial vinous automobile, but if you prefer a stiffer suspension, this may not be your thing. Michael Franz 11/13/24
vinous on the zin:
89 points. The 2022 Zinfandel (Paso Robles Highlands District) is the finest wine in this range from J. Wilkes. It offers tons of varietal character to match its exuberant, racy personality. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, mint, hard candy and white pepper linger. Drinking window: 2024 - 2028 Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2024
vinous on the cab franc:
91 points. The 2021 Cabernet Franc (Paso Robles Highlands District) is another outstanding wine in this range from J. Wilkes. There’s real depth and structure. Spice, tobacco, cedar and dried flowers all grace this super-expressive Franc. Here, too, a healthy dollop of American oak (25%) adds spiciness and a touch of vanillin sweetness that works so well for this style. A burst of red-toned fruit punctuates the finish. Drinking window: 2023 - 2026 Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2023
vinous, the petite sirah:
87 points. The 2021 Petite Sirah (Paso Robles Highlands District) is packed with jammy dark fruit, cloves, new leather, incense and sweet oak. I find the Petite a bit oaky. At the same time, the formidable Petite tannins are softened, giving this wine plenty of appeal. Drinking window: 2023 - 2026 Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2023
fwiw
2021 J Wilkes Petite Sirah
Bottle is attractive, simple, has some weight to it. Initial impressions has me excited about the bottle, I’m generally a fan of Paso Reds and their more bold expressions and usually find the fruit of the PS can hide high alcohol percentages that you usually get out of Paso. This wine is perplexing, around 13.5% so I’m not sure what to expect.
Pop and pour is as you expect, pours a very dark, opaque purple in the glass.
Initial fragrance is quite good right out of the bottle. Vanilla, plum, blackberry pie. No hint of alcohol.
First taste is very confusing. I’m hit with a very thin, almost watery mouth feel with a massive amount of sour acid / astringency. It just was truly underwhelming. There’s a long finish and it’s not unpleasant but it’s just not…good either. I leave it alone to try it later.
An hour or so later The sourness has diminished but it still feels thin. The finish is definitely long and there’s some very mouth drying tannins that kind of make you pucker up. Dried cranberry and some plum comes out, but none of the richness I associate with most PS.
Took the liberty of having a small glass with breakfast and not much for change. It’s smooth, a bit more rounded, the finish has shortened to medium+, some cherry flavor has come in.
I took the liberty of opening up one of my bottles of Darwinian III Petite Sirah from Swilly for comparison. I generally enjoy the Zeppelin PS, it can sometimes come across over extracted but all in all is enjoyable.
In comparison, the Zeppelin is all brooding, thick and viscous with much more currant and plum in the background, although muted. Also another brighter fruit that I associated with Strawberry but couldn’t quite place. Still no alcohol perception, despite the near 16% ABV. A short finish on this one. Different, not necessarily better, but more traditional PS style that I’m used to.
All in all, the J Wilkes is not your traditional thickly layered PS but is decent in its own right. It seems with some age or open bottle time it is quite drinkable but in it’s young age (for PS) does come across a bit flabby on initial opening.
I’ll do another drink tonight to see if any change.
@deadlyapp I should add, when I looked up the wine and saw a $60 MSRP I was a bit flabbergasted. I pegged this one as a $15/btl casemates price and seeing that it’s a mix, could be a good buy.
2022 J Wilkes Zinfandel, Highlands District
I had half of the bottle last night and recorked in fridge. Will revisit later today
Nice, clean, and classy label and bottle presentation with not much information on back label
Color: medium to deep garnet, clear
Moderate aroma with some red currant and some alcohol
Taste: a strong taste of currant and allspice? Too much for me (dissipated after airing out for 30 or so minutes). Body is medium fu with smooth tannins and moderate intensity
I used to drink more Zins but have gravitated towards lesser and brighter reds the past 3-4 years (Pinot, cool climate Rhône’s).
My overall impression of this wine so far is that it offers your typical Zinfandel notes of currant, some nutmeg and red fruits. I guessed the alcohol at 15.4 and was not surprised at 16 but it doesn’t come across as too hot. It’s fairly balanced and would appease Paso and Dry Creek Valley zin fans
I guessed $35 msrp and $15-$18 Casemates price. The $60 winery price is way too high but in line with what many wineries in overpriced Paso are charging per bottle these days. Paso is the new Napa Valley is what I hear and have witnessed in recent visits
Feel free to ask clarifying questions
and thank you Alice and WD for the opportunity to rat