Dan Berger's Wines of the Week: J Viognier & J Pinot Gris!

Volume XVI, Issue 6, March 22, 2012

Wines of the Week

2011 J Viognier, Alexander Valley, Hoot Owl Vineyard

Terrific floral/spicy, tropical fruit aroma, exactly what the variety offers; dry entry, but rich texture moderated by great acid.

2010 J Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley

This estate-grown wine has an aroma of mint/lime and tangerine; the taste is enhanced by lees contact for added texture. The flavors are lush and long.

Both available only at the tasting room and at jwine.com.

J Visitor Center

The topic arose the other day when I tasted two superb wines from J’s new winemaker Melissa Stackhouse that were consciously made so their textures would add to the character of the wine.

Melissa Stackhouse, J Winemaker

Both are in our Wine of the Week feature, and both have been made carefully so each has a slightly higher textural element that adds to the wines.

One is a Viognier, a wine that is usually rich and oily. To deal with some of this, Stackhouse made sure the texture was moderated with good fruit acid that leaves the wine with a brilliant “grapefruit pith” texture.

By contrast, a Pinot Gris offers more extract of fruit and “middle-of-the-grape” flavors from having been in contact with the lees, adding a bit of weight to the finish.

When evaluating wine, failing to “see” the texture as a part of the wine’s overall quality is a common failing among novices.

The two J wines are available only through the winery. There will be no retail visibility because of scant production.

ABOUT J

Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently-owned Sonoma County winery. The Winery continues its 25th Anniversary celebration.

J Vineyards & Winery focuses on non-vintage Brut, Vintage Brut, and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris Estate varietal wines, all produced from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation.

The J Vineyards & Winery Visitor Center and Bubble Room is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway, south of Healdsburg. To learn more, or to join the J Wine Club, go to www.jwine.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook.

2009 J "Nicole's Vineyard" Pinot Noir Release Offer for Loyal Fans

We're excited to let you know that our 2009 "Nicole's Vineyard" Pinot Noir has just been released.  With only 550 cases made, we wanted to be sure that our friends who have enjoyed this wine in the past are aware of this offer.

Initial reviews are positive, including 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and 92 points from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine. 

Purchase six bottles or more of the 2009 J "Nicole's Vineyard" Pinot Noir by March 31st and shipping is complimentary.  Quantities are limited, so act quickly.

Aromas of earthy mushrooms and cocoa are joined by dark plum, cinnamon, and minty vanilla. The 2009 “Nicole’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir has a smooth entry on the palate with a long and rich spicy finish of delicious blackberry and dark cherry flavors. The real surprise comes with the herb, dark spice, and caramel undertones at the finish. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to wild game, such as venison, bison burgers, herb-roasted wild pig, or grilled salmon.

Nicole's Vineyard during spring.

$60 per bottle

$360 - 6 bottles, shipping included if ordered prior to March 31st

Club J Members:

$51 per bottle, 6-11 bottles

$48 per bottle 12+ bottles

Shipping included if ordered prior to March 31st

Not a Club J Member?  Join today to receive exclusive discounts.

To place an order:

·        Click here; enter 09NIC coupon code during checkout to receive complimentary shipping prior to March 31st.

·        Send an email to customercare@jwine.com

·        Contact us at 707. 431.5479

Cheers!

J Vineyards & Winery

Pinot & Pizza at J Vineyards & Winery on June 16, 2012!

J Winery teams up with Andrea Mugnaini to feature one of the Russian River Valley locals’ favorite wine and food pairings: Pinot and Pizza on June 16, 2012, 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Chef Andrea Mugnaini and her staff will partner with J Executive Chef, Mark E. Caldwell to create delicious pizzas featuring organic farm fresh vegetables and local artisan products. Some of our favorite local vendors will be present, including Bellwether Farms and Merchants & Millers Olive Oil. These seasonal pizzas will be paired with our Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs as well as other J wines.

Chef Mugnaini and Chef Caldwell will show visitors how the right oven and seasonal ingredients make for a perfect summer meal. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Andrea Mugnaini, purchase a signed cookbook and learn the art of wood fired cooking.

Andrea started her business in 1989 to bring the Italian style of cooking and living to America through wood fired pizza oven sales. More than twenty years have passed and she remains the leader in this field. Currently, she runs two cooking schools dedicated to wood fired cooking; one is in Healdsburg and the other is in Tuscany.

For more information about Andrea Mugnaini, visit: www.mugnaini.com.

$40 per person / $20 for Club J members*
(*limit 8 discounted tickets per Club J membership)
Club J Experience members receive 2 complimentary tickets
Club J Elegance members receive 4 complimentary tickets
Club J Luxe members receive 6 complimentary tickets

J Event Link: http://www.jwine.com/News/Events/EventsDetail.aspx?id=71

The Chef Series Wine Mixer, Featuring J Premium Varietal & Sparkling Wines Hosted by Peter Dills of Dining with Dills on March 8, 2012!

Raise your glass with Peter Dills from KABC Talk Radio on March 8th for the next Chef Series "Mix & Mingle" Wine Tasting at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar from 6pm-8pm. They will be tasting the premium varietal & sparkling wines from J Vineyards & Winery.  

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

2647 Park Avenue

Tustin, CA  92782

Mix & Mingle Reservations: (714) 258-7600

Space is limited.

ABOUT J

Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently-owned Sonoma County winery. The Winery continues its 25th Anniversary celebration.

J Vineyards & Winery focuses on non-vintage Brut, Vintage Brut, and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris Estate varietal wines, all produced from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation.

The J Vineyards & Winery Visitor Center and Bubble Room is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway, south of Healdsburg. To learn more, or to join the J WineClub, go to www.jwine.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook.

J Vineyards & Winery at 12th Annual World of Pinot Noir on March 2nd & 3rd 2012 at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, CA!

J Vineyards & Winery looks forward to seeing you at the 12^th Annual World of Pinot Noir Grand Tastings on Saturday, March 3.  We will be pouring our exceptional 2009 Russian River Pinot Noir and the 2009 Nicole’s Vineyard Pinot Noir!  When you stop by our tasting table, let us know you are a J Fan and you will have the opportunity to taste the J Brut Rosé as well, a perfect way to start and end a tasting event with colleagues and friends!

In addition, if you are attending the Seaside Fête Dinner on Friday, March 2, J will be there sharing a bit of our Brut Rosé, making your evening a bit more sparkling under the stars. 

You will experience a seaside feast with cuisine from Central Coast chefs, and Pinot Noir from host wineries. The WOPN Seaside Fête will take place at the beach and under the stars. The area's most-revered chefs will prepare a fresh, seasonal, local cuisine that will seduce the palate of Pinot Noir lovers. A beach bonfire and live band are the exclamation to an evening that will be one to be remembered. 

Enjoy Worldwide Pinot Noir, complemented by fresh, and locally produced, creative cuisine at the World of Pinot Noir on March 2nd and 3rd 2012 at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, CA.

ABOUT J

Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently-owned Sonoma County winery. The Winery is celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

 

J Vineyards & Winery focuses on non-vintage Brut, Vintage Brut, and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris varietal wines, all crafted from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation.

The J Vineyards & Winery Visitor Center and Bubble Room is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway, south of Healdsburg. To learn more, or to join the J Wine Club, go to www.jwine.com. You can also follow us on Facebook.

J Brut Rosé - A Top Sparkling Pick by Sunset Magazine

J Brut Rosé, Russian River Valley

Rich and toasty, with tangy red fruit-raspberries, cranberries-and a resiny underbrush layer!

ABOUT J

Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently-owned Sonoma County winery. The Winery continues its 25th Anniversary celebration.

J Vineyards & Winery focuses on non-vintage Brut, Vintage Brut, and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris Estate varietal wines, all produced from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation.

The J Vineyards & Winery Visitor Center and Bubble Room is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway, south of Healdsburg. To learn more, or to join the J WineClub, go to www.jwine.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook.

J Vineyards & Winery Attains Certified Sustainable Status

Sonoma County just got a little greener. J Vineyards & Winery, specialists in Russian River Valley sparkling and varietal wines, has achieved certified sustainable status through the California Sustainable Winegrowers Alliance (CSWA). The sustainable certification covers all vineyard and winery operations.

J Vineyards & Winery, located minutes south of Healdsburg, owns ten estate vineyards sprinkled throughout the Russian River Valley, totaling more than 250 acres of planted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris grapes.

John Erbe

“For the past two years, we’ve been diligently working on aligning J with CSWA’s commitment to wine quality,” said John Erbe, J Vineyards & Winery Viticulturalist. “Our estate vineyards have been planted utilizing the latest techniques in water conservation, wildlife habitat corridors, and soil erosion reduction.”

J Canfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley

Founded in 2010, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance program is a third-party verification and certification process maintained by CSWA. The program, based on 227 “best practices,” is designed to ensure environmental stewardship, the conservation of energy and natural resources, and socially equitable business practices. CSWA’s certification program has been a positive environmental awareness catalyst for more than 1,500 of the State’s top vintners and growers.

Judy Jordan

“Reducing, reusing and recycling is not just a slogan at J,” says Judy Jordan, Founder and President. “This has been my vision for J since its founding 25 years ago. The business practices we have implemented over the past three years are keys to a healthier future.”

Some of the green initiatives J has embarked on include:

• The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and cover-crop programs throughout the winery’s ten estate vineyards as a means to protect riparian habitats. IPM methods are also used to build soil tilth while attracting beneficial insects.

• Replacing all inefficient incandescent lights throughout the winery with new, high-intensity, lower energy lighting.

• Recycling all paper, corks, and glass used throughout the winery.

J Recycling

• Reducing water used throughout the winegrowing and winemaking process.

• The computerization of refrigeration compressors to reduce energy consumption, coupled with energy-efficient cooling towers.

• Replacing existing water boilers with higher-efficiency heaters that work in stages.

• A reduction in the weight of our sparkling and varietal wine bottles.

• Using low VOC paints throughout the winery.

ABOUT J

Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently-owned Sonoma County winery. The Winery is celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

J Vineyards & Winery focuses on non-vintage Brut, Vintage Brut, and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris varietal wines, all crafted from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation.

The J Vineyards & Winery Visitor Center and Bubble Room is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway, south of Healdsburg. To learn more, or to join the J Wine Club, go to www.jwine.com. You can also follow us on Facebook.

J Visitor Center

J Employee Holiday Lunch at the Dry Creek Kitchen!

Our sparkling Founder & President Judy Jordan provided the employees with a fabulous Holiday lunch last Friday at the Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, specially prepared by Chef De Cuisine, Dustin Valette, which was an amazingly delicious and elegant dining experience. 

J Employee Holiday Luncheon

We started with a remarkable “Slow Cooked White Leek Soup” with Toasted Brioche, Truffle Crème Fraiche & Verjus Caramel, paired with the 2010 J California Pinot Gris. 

 

 

Then a mouthwatering “Whole Roasted New York Strip Loin” with Candied Red Onion, Smoked Potato Puree & Black Garlic Emulsion, paired with the J Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

In addition, Pastry Chef, Yulanda Santos, prepared a delectable dessert, Dark Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream, Peanut Brittle & Port Gastrique.

For the chic food & wine lovers, Dry Creek Kitchen offers an outstanding dining experience to make any occasion a memorable one! 

Dry Creek Kitchen Dining Room

We salute the Dry Creek Kitchen crew for providing  J Vineyards & Winery an outstanding Holiday Luncheon:

Dan Prentice, GM

Drew Munro, Sommelier

Wade Nobles, Restaurant Manager

Dustin Valette, Chef De Cuisine

Yulanda Santos, Pastry Chef

A Tale of Two Harvests, by J Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse

Melissa Stackhouse

The 2011 harvest can be summarized as a tale of two harvests:  the harvest before the rain and the one after the rain.

The harvest began on August 22, with our first pick of Pinot Noir for sparkling wine. The entire sparkling wine harvest went smoothly. There were no dramatic weather events, and the fruit benefited from cool morning fog and warm afternoon sunshine.  From a winemaking perspective, calling picks in the field was straightforward.  A typical harvest day for the winemaking team began in the vineyard, walking the rows, tasting fruit, surveying the vines’ health. While assessing maturity of the sparkling fruit, we also monitored the grapes for our varietal wines: Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The sparkling fermentations were incredibly aromatic and yielded very high-quality base wine. The team is impressed with the sparkling vintage, and eager to blend this year’s Cuvée 20 and Brut Rosé.

As we progressed through harvest, the Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir began making their entrance.  Quality was spectacular for these varieties. I was particularly excited about the Pinot Noir that we source from J’s estate vineyards within the Russian River Valley. One vineyard in particular, Bow Tie, was most compelling.  Located on Westside Road on the outskirts of Healdsburg, it is a warmer, cool-climate vineyard, the makings of a world-class site. The fruit did not disappoint, nor have the wines that are presently aging in barrel.

Bow Tie Vineyard

Most winemakers hit a certain point in harvest when watching the forecast becomes an hourly event. It is quite common in Northern California to receive early autumn rains. And this year was no different. Most of our fruit was in the winery prior to any heavy rain, with the exception of Chardonnay.  This is a varietal that is early to break bud, but late to ripen. 

 

Jewell Ranch Vineyard & Russian River Valley Estate Chardonnays

The first batches of Chardonnay were somewhat low in sugar but we did get well-developed flavors.  Then came the rains and with them botrytis. Unfortunately, we had to leave one vineyard unpicked.  The result is a significantly small crop of Chardonnay from this vintage; but, what we were able to get in before the rains should result in some racy and flavorful wines.  I am looking forward to tasting it as the blend develops.

 J Vineyards & Winery