"I Truly Love the J Brut Rose" - Sparkling Wine Profile by Examiner.com!

December 9, 2009

Kris Chislett, Examiner.com (Jacksonville Wine Examiner)

Sparkling wine profile: J Brut Rose NV

The Grapes

59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay

The Facts

Judy Jordan (Founder and President) started J Vineyards & Winery in 1986 in order to craft varietal and sparkling wines. She graduated from Stanford with a degree in Earth Sciences/Geology, and worked in Geophysics in Colorado before returning to work at her family's winery. The J Brut Rose is NV (Non-Vintage) meaning it is a blend of grapes harvested in more than one specific year. This is mainly done for consistency in the wine, but to also maintain sales even in bad years.

This wine is created in the traditional method of Champagne, or Mêthode Champenoise, however the wine is obviously not made in the Champagne region, so cannot be called a "true" Champagne. All grapes for the J Brut Rosé are hand-harvested. J supports farming practices that are environmentally sensitive, economically viable and socially responsible by minimal use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in our vineyards. The J Visitor Center staff collect wine corks for ReCork America and recycles them at one of the participating retailers in Sonoma. Corks are 100% biodegradable and are converted into flooring, building insulation, automotive gaskets, soil conditioner and sports equipment.

The Place

The grapes for this Brut Rosé were selected from J’s Estate Vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The Russian River Valley appellation is located approximately 70 miles northeast of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and less than 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The region's unique topography includes hillsides, benchland and valley floor, providing an exceptionally diverse range of soils. There are actually more soil types unique to the Russian River Valley than in all of France!

The climate of the Russian River Valley make it ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay due to its rich soils, and the cool coastal climate prolonging the grape growing season. The unique soils with its deep gravel deposits, ensure good drainage and extensive root development. This results in vines which get a little stressed out (which is a good thing) which then send their energy to the grapes for concentrated varietal character. Chardonnay is the region's most widely planted wine grape, while Pinot Noir makes up one-third of the AVA's plantings and is increasing faster than any other grape variety. The Russian River Valley is home to more than 50 wineries and 200 winegrowers, and has been an AVA since 1983.

For more on J Winery, visit jwine.com (the best looking winery website I've seen in a while).

The Taste

I had to check the bottle twice on this one, since it's the first time I've had this wine. Very subtle color for a Rosé, I was expecting more of the "electric pink" kind of color. The J Brut Rosé has just a very light pink hue. The key to this wine is subtlety. Beautifully delicate on the nose. Fresh aromas of peach and strawberry with faint toasty notes. Citrus flavors come through a little more on the palate, hints of tropical fruit, raspberry, red apple, a really elegant wine. Persistent finish, not too dry. If I'm drinking sparkling, I've always skewed more towards Rosés (I proposed to my wife with one), and I truly love the J Brut Rosé. It isn't over the top. It's one of the best sparklers I've tasted coming out of CA.

The Food

I've always been a big fan of Lobster Bisque, so give this one a try from the J Winery Website. It's their recommended food pairing specifically for J Brut Rosé. The Price $38.99.

The Place

Total Wine

4413 Town Center Parkway

Jacksonville, FL 32246

(904) 998-1740

http://www.examiner.com/x-27568-Jacksonville-Wine-Examiner~y2009m12d9-J-Brut-Rose-NV

The Vine Guy; The magic of J Vineyards
By: Scott Greenberg The Vine GuyAugust 20, 2009

I recently looked up "delicious," "stylish" and "elegant" in the dictionary and I was shocked to discover that none of these words begins with the letter "J". Now I know that technically they don't begin with the letter "J," but I just thought that since all of the wines that I have sampled from J Vineyards were delicious, stylish and elegant, the winery must be named for one of these adjectives. But, obviously, I was wrong.

It turns out that J Vineyards & Winery was started in 1986 by Judy Jordan -- note, both her first and last names begin with the elusive letter -- in the cool-climate Russian River Valley, located just outside of Healdsburg, Calif. Judy, founder and president, is a second-generation vintner whose family is involved with the Jordan Winery. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to strike out on her own and develop her own style by starting her own winery. But it would take a little time to get there.

After graduating from Stanford University -- where she was a star tennis player -- with a degree in Earth sciences and geology, Judy worked for a geophysics corporation in Denver before returning to work at Jordan Winery. Working in the family business allowed Judy to expand her knowledge in various aspects of the business, including vineyard management, marketing, soil analysis and geology, where her training as a geologist paid off. Eventually, Judy spread her wings and brought all of her experiences together to form J Vineyards.

Ten years after founding the winery, Judy purchased the former Piper Sonoma winemaking facility in Healdsburg, in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Today, J Vineyards & Winery owns 10 estate vineyards totaling 257 planted acres in the Russian River Valley. These vineyards provide fruit ranging from benchland vineyards on the cool western edge of the appellation to hillside vineyards of volcanic soil in the northeastern part of the valley. Given her background, Judy pays careful attention to each vineyard, including soil composition and mineral content. This diversity allows the winemaking team to take advantage of the many different subplots so they can vinify and blend wines to maximize flavor, balance and structure.

And since 2006, George Bursick has led the winemaking team. George has implemented several significant changes to improve the winemaking and vinification processes at the winery. His goal is to create wines with supple mouthfeel that display the unique characteristics of each vineyard. George has added a deft hand at crafting quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and, of course, the highly regarded line of sparkling wines including the Vintage Brut and Non-Vintage Brut as well as the Non-Vintage Brut Rosé. His mission to create wines that are delicious, elegant and stylish is well on its way. Retail prices are approximate.

2008 J Vineyards Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley, Calif. ($16)
Made from a blend of fruit from several Russian River Valley vineyards, this Pinot Gris exhibits complex flavors of nectarine, white peach and green melon. A hint of honeysuckle and tropical fruit is accented by the abundant acidity and provides a long, clean finish.

2007 J Vineyards Viognier, Hoot Owl Vineyard, Alexander Valley, Calif. ($30)
I am partial to Rhone varietals, and this lovely white wine is why. It displays rich aromas of citrus blossom, pineapple and acacia flowers. The palate features flavors of pear, hazelnut and citrus up front and a touch of honey and vanilla on the lovely, lush finish.

2006 J Vineyards Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Calif. ($28)
Not your average California Chardonnay, this version features beautiful scents of nectarine, peach and toasted almond on the fragrant bouquet. In the mouth, the wine feels rich, with creamy flavors of peach, pear and toasty vanilla. Hints of baking spices on the weighty finish add beautiful depth.

2007 J Vineyards Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Calif. ($35)
A pretty wine that expresses delicate scents of cherry, violets and dark blueberry that lead to layered fruit of cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry on the sumptuous frame. Additional notes of cocoa and orange rind round out the firm but supple finish.

Non-Vintage J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Brut, Russian River Valley, Calif. ($20)
This sparkling wine is a great way to start any party, with a bouquet full of toasted brioche, green apple and lemon scents. Tight, compact bubbles carry flavors of ripe apple, citrus and roasted almonds across the entire palate. Great acidity adds a crisp finish.

2002 J Vineyards Vintage Brut, Russian River Valley, Calif. ($50)
A luxurious wine featuring aromas of Gala apple, ripe pear and yeasty notes on the nose that lead into rich flavors of creamy stone fruits on the palate. Hints of cloves and toasted nuts expand in layers on the long, lush finish in perfect harmony with the bright acidity and tiny bubbles.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/The-Vine-Guy_-The-magic-of-J-Vineyards-8124205-53612262.html