ABOUT: Brooks winery was founded in 1998 in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA in Oregon by the late Jimi Brooks. He understood that the ideal conditions for top flight Pinot Noir are available in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, thanks to the Pacific breezes allowed to flow east through the Van Duzer Corridor, a gap in the coastal range mountains. This is the most desired climate for Pinot Noir vines, they like the heat during the day, using the time to build their sugars, then a cooled-down evening which retains acidity and all of their personal charm. The folks at Brooks harness their natural endowment masterfully, and practice biodynamics, furthering the natural transparencies of their wines. TASTE: The 2014 Janus has lifted red fruit aromas along with herbs, baking spices, and the very classic damp earth/leaves/mushroom touch in both the nose and on the palate. Long finish and highly complex. This wine has its muddy boots in Burgundy, going for elegance, structure, and complexity rather than outright strength and concentration. Taking that into consideration, a proper tasting note would also include insights into the previous 5 vintages of Janus, which I currently am not enlightened to. So this wine has the best of both worlds; sit back and enjoy this approachable and delicious wine right now, or nerd out thanks to its ability to develop over time. PAIR:Thyme & horseradish roasted root vegetables, almond & coriander pesto, gorditas with roasted zucchini, and handfuls of tamari cashews.
