True Grit

Josh Jensen's passion for Pinot Noir and quest for California limestone led him to the hinterlands of Mount Harlan and the peaks of Calera

James Laube

From the Oct 15, 2013, issue

Josh Jensen was in his twenties, kicking around Europe, living the bohemian life. Well-educated but jobless, he lived off a small inheritance, crashing in dive hotels and mooching off friends. But when it came to food, Jensen lived life large, dining in the fanciest restaurants in France, usually by himself. He always splurged for the wine. Another of his passions, rowing, had taken him from Yale to Oxford, where a deeper obsession took hold in an all-consuming way; it was there he became the ultimate wine geek, entranced by red Burgundy. Wine Spectator's James Laube explains.

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In