Smokin' J's! Desert Living Scoop

Smokin' J's A quick chat with a winemaker who can kick your Thanksgiving dinner up by many, many notches. Smokin' J's A quick chat with a winemaker who can kick your Thanksgiving dinner up by many, many notches.

Harvest is over and George Bursick finally has a second to breathe. The VP of winemaking for J Vineyards & Winery makes a suite of wines with plots of land that are unlike anything coming out of northern California. Go ahead and Google “J wines” and witness the lauding. So now’s the time to place an order for your Thanksgiving meal (all available at www.jwine.com). Start with Cuvee 20, an affordable sparkler that will set the tone right, then move into Pinot Gris and then J’s signature Pinot Noirs. Since J makes sparkling wines that give the French guys a run for their grapes, we suggest a night-cap of J’s late-disgorged vintage Brut.

SF: What’s the secret to making sparkling wine as complex as yours with northern CA grapes?
GB: We are one of only a handful of wineries outside of France to use a Coquard press. It presses the fruit gently from side-to-side, which minimizes the extraction of tannin and allowing for virtually no maceration, preserving the wine’s flavor.

SF: J seems to have a small monopoly on the Russian River Valley. Is it common for one winery to have land all over the place?
GB: Not many wineries have this much dirt – J farms 257 acres of vineyards checkerboarded throughout the Valley with over 20 different soil types in varying climates. This means I have a broad palette of flavors with which to make our wines.

SF: You’re in a band called Private Reserve with other wine guys. Do you drink beer or wine after the show?
GB: At practices and before gigs, we usually compare unreleased wines with each other. After playing drums hard on stage, though, believe me, nothing beats a cold beer.

http://scoopfactory.com/email/?content=2388&preview=true

90 Points - Wine Review Online for J Vineyards 2007 RRV Chardonnay!

This winery rarely fails to hit its mark. Well-known for its graceful, refined sparklers, its still wines tend to be equally good. They may not be the most exciting in California, but they consistently exhibit a stylish sophistication that is all too rare in Golden State wine. This Chardonnay provides a case in point. It exhibits plenty of ripe apple-tinged fruit, but it tempers its exuberance with crisp acidity and a spicy finish. Oak plays an appropriate supporting role, so the end result is extremely harmonious. This is not a blockbuster wine that demands your attention. Instead, it’s a suave, debonair charmer.

90 Paul Lukacs Oct 13, 2009

http://winereviewonline.com/wine_reviews.cfm

100 Perfect Pours - Robb Report for J Brut Rose NV & J Vineyards 2007 RRV Chardonnay!

FOUR STARS - Restaurant Wine for J Vineyards 2007 RRV Chardonnay!

FOUR STARS!
J Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Elegant in style; full bodied, crisp, finely flavored (pear, spicy, oak, grapefruit, toast), and medium long on the finish.

Very stylish Chardonnay.

90 Points - California Grapevine for J Vineyards 2007 RRV Chardonnay!

90 Points!

2007 J Vineyards Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Medium-light golden yellow; attractive, floral, spicy, toasty, white peach and green apple aroma with hints of zest and honey; medium-full body; slightly viscous, buttery, tropical fruit flavors with a slightly creamy mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste.


Very highly recommended.

J Brut Magnum for Team Brut Force in Support of Multiple Sclerosis via Bike MS!

Team Brut Force had a great weekend at the MS150. We had a solid team of riders and we worked hard all weekend.

The weather was perfect and we were able to ride day one in 5 hours, 44 minutes. Actually, it was the MS 170 for our team. A missed turn added 8 miles to our ride for a total of 108! I am not going to lie, the first 10 miles of day two hurt, but by the second half of the ride we were ready to drop the hammer again. Banged out the 62 miles in 3 hours 19 minutes.

Totals over the two days - 9 hours of saddle time, 170 miles, total average ~19mph. I must say, we were driven on by some 'friendly' competition within Team Brut Force - our last place finisher took some good natured abuse. (Note: It wasn't me; I was on the Podium both days).

We all rode strong and hard and served a worthy cause. The J Champagne at the finish was fantastic! Thanks again!

I’ve attached some pictures of the team. We also took a picture of the top three team riders on “the podium”. (I was second. On the right)

Thanks again for your help and support! Marc O’Connor of Team Brut Force

What is the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride?

Endorsed by ardent cyclists and novices alike, the ride offers a two-day fundraising ride through the beautiful surrounding countryside of Callaway Gardens and Pine Mountain, Georgia, a short distance from Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson Airport, with spectacular views and historic towns along the way. Georgia's Two-Day Cycling Tradition is a non-profit sporting event celebrating its 23rd year in the fight against multiple sclerosis benefiting the National MS Society-Georgia Chapter.

Like its sister ride, the Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride, the ride is reaching new heights in an effort to better the lives of all Georgians living with MS. By joining hundreds of riders, participants will be making a profound difference in the lives of people living with MS who are served by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Georgia Chapter. The Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride is one of two rides hosted by the National MS Society-Georgia Chapter and together will raise more than $1.4 million for client programs and research in 2009. Both rides are regarded by cycling enthusiasts as premier rides in Georgia with experienced management, well-coordinated routes, and special attention to riders' safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Proceeds from the ride will help support various programs that aid the 8,500 Georgians with MS and their families in all 159 counties of Georgia. The Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride also joins thousands of cyclists nationwide in raising $77 million in an effort to fund research and local client programs. By joining the movement and riding in the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride, you have the power to create a world free of MS.

Ride History

Bike MS began winding through the spectacular beauty of Georgia's scenic routes in 1986, raising $40,000 in its first year and setting the ground for what is now the Georgia Chapter's largest annual fundraising event.

After spending the majority of its history nestled between Conyers and Eatonton, GA, Bike MS made a bold move for its 20th Anniversary and relocated to the stunning Callaway Gardens in 2006. This year, we're fortunate to have Cox Enterprises as our title sponsor.

For more information on this very rewarding and enjoyable fundraiser visit: http://www.bikemsatlanta.org/

And for more information on J Vineyards & Winery visit: www.jwine.com

Exceptional! Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences for J NV Cuvée 20

Exceptional!

NV J Sparkling Wine, Russian River Valley, “Cuvée 20” ($20): A fresh citrus aroma with notes of lees contact/dough, and a rich, soft mid-palate and finish. Lots of flavor in a wine that’s just a bit softer than J’s other vintage-dated wine. Best with spiced foods.

92 Points - Wine Spectator Insider for J Vineyards 2007 RRV Pinotage!

J Vineyards 2007 Pinotage, Russian River Valley

92 points!

Dark, dense and concentrated, with spicy, peppery, floral aromas reminiscent a bit of Syrah. Rich and focused on wild blackberry fruit, this is tightly structured, rustic and firmly tannic, ending with a wide mix of fruit, herb and anise. Drink now through 2014.—J.L.

August 26, 2009

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

90 Points - Wine Review On Line - J Vineyards 2008 RRV Pinot Gris

For the life of me, I can’t understand why more American consumers aren’t buying more West Coast Pinot Gris. Though I come across an occasional clunker, the wines are for the most part first-rate. Whether from California, Oregon, or Washington, they offer just the sort of rich, ripe, slightly sweet fruit flavors that Americans love. This youthful rendition from J Vineyards is a great example. Chock-full of pear and peach flavors, introduced by a fruit-driven but also faintly floral bouquet, it tastes both lively and substantial—a rare but enticing combination.

90 Points - Paul Lukacs, Aug 18, 2009

2006 J RRV Pinot Noir: Capital Gazette "Perfect pinot noirs for summer"

Wine, etc.: Perfect pinot noirs for summer
By TOM MARQUARDT and PATRICK DARR
Published 07/29/09

Every pinot noir column should start with an apology. Prices for these wines are out of the range of most consumers, but $50 is about what it takes to get a full-body pinot noir from the West Coast. That's a far cry from the time when only the wines from Burgundy commanded those kinds of prices.

Blame it on price and demand. As the grape has become more popular, vineyard owners have been able to increase the price of their fruit or sell their land. Like in Burgundy, producers have been making small lots of pinot noir from vineyards whose fruit was often used in blends. Small means expensive.

Still, a good pinot noir at this time of the year is very enjoyable. It is the wine we pour with grilled salmon, lamb, hamburgers, cold pasta and even chicken. There are plenty of excellent pinot noirs coming out of the Willamette Valley in Oregon and in Monterey and Russian River Valley in California. Here are a bunch of pinot noirs we recently tasted from the West Coast and even France:

J Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 ($38)

Known most for its sparkling wine, J also produces an excellent pinot noir using grapes from the prized Russian River Valley. Broad in the palate, it has the earthy, mushroom character often found in burgundy. Red berry flavors and a generous dollop of spice.

Find recommended wine: J Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: Eastport Liquors, Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits

James Laube of Wine Spectator on J Vineyards 2007 RRV Pinotage

James Laube Unfined

July 22, 2009

When Pinot Tastes Like Syrah It Might Be Pinotage

Last week during a blind tasting flight of 2007 Sonoma Pinot Noirs, I came across one wine that stood out, and that I really liked.

It was dark in color, notably spicy and peppery, with pretty floral scents and ripe, vivid black and wild berry fruit. Tight in structure, dense and concentrated, even a tad rustic, ending with a complex array of fruit, herb and anise, with firm tannins.

My first reaction: Is this a Syrah? Had I missed the change in varietals in the lineup? Did we shift from Pinot to Rhône reds?

The wine certainly fit the critique some people have of some California Pinots--that is, they’re too big and almost Syrah-like in their structure, strength and flavor profile.

When the bags came off, the wine made sense. It was a 2007 Pinotage ($38) from J Vineyards and Winery (which is owned by Judy Jordan, the daughter of Jordan Winery owner Tom Jordan, but is a separate entity). I liked the new J Pinots, too, but the Pinotage caught my fancy that day, and later that night as I tried it after it had had eight hours of aeration. It was still going strong the next day.

It’s a wonderful wine. Pinotage is rather rare in California, and I can only recall having tried a few others over the years. The grape is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. The latter grape gives it its tannic backbone and muscle, along with the pepper and spice, balancing out the more tender, fleshy, fruitier elements of Pinot Noir.

Pinotage first gained recognition as one of the signature wines from South Africa, where it was created in the 1920s. However, as my colleague James Molesworth pointed out in an article a few years ago, the grape and wine have fallen out of favor there.

J’s Pinotage isn’t the lone Pinotage from California. I’ve given high marks to Fort Ross’ Sonoma Coast bottlings as well. If you like Pinot but have never experienced a Pinotage, you owe it to yourself to try one and taste the crossroad of Pinot and Cinsault, or the point where red Burgundy meets the Southern Rhône.

http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Blogs/Blog_Detail/0,4211,2647,00.html?CMP=OTC-RSS