92pts James Suckling
Aromas of pie crust, pink grapefruit and flint. Full-bodied with lovely nutty character. Creamy, too. Nicely balanced and concentrated.
92pts Wine Advocate
The 2020 Chardonnay Russian River Valley was matured for eight months in about 18% new oak and underwent full malolactic conversion. "Chardonnay picked up less smoke than other varieties," explains head winemaker Nicole Hitchcock. "We harvested the Chardonnay earlier but did not change our winemaking approach. We have our own internal labs, so we were able to run our own analysis for smoke markers." It has layered aromas of quince, white peaches, honey and graham cracker with floral nuances. The medium-bodied palate is creamy and concentrated, with banana-laced flavors and a long, honeyed finish. It has some notable phenolic texture and may show its best in the near term.
90pts Wine Spectator
A note of vanilla custard and a touch of salted Greek yogurt add a rich and creamy side to the apricot and mango curd flavors. Creamy on the finish, with a note of dried ginger. Drink now.
Winemaker Notes
This Russian River Valley Chardonnay showcases the best of this classic cool- climate region. Aromas of honeysuckle, tangerine and lightly toasted oak hint toward the complexity and structure of this appealing Chardonnay. The silky- smooth wine offers weight and brightness, full through the middle with a lingering finish that deftly balances sweet oak notes with crisp, refreshing acidity. Notes of mango and baked yellow apple on the palate blend with citrusy pomelo and mandarin characteristics, while subtle suggestions of graham cracker, vanilla and a kiss of butterscotch add intriguing depth.
Enjoy this alongside hazelnut- crusted black cod over wild rice or an appetizer of prosciutto-wrapped honeydew. For a cheese pairing, try White Stilton topped with dried apricots and a drizzle of honey.
History
Since 1986, J Vineyards & Winery has developed a reputation as one of the top sparkling and varietal wine producers in California. Known for its celebrated estate vineyards and world-class hospitality, what truly sets J apart is its Traditional Method sparkling process and elevated winemaking techniques. Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock showcases her expertise and the diversity of California winegrowing regions through a portfolio of acclaimed varietal and sparkling wines. Visit the renowned hospitality center in the heart of the Russian River Valley to enjoy one of the many tasting experiences or the innovative pairings created by Executive Chef Carl Shelton in the Bubble Room.
