Winemaker Notes
The approachable, bright and flavorful J California Chardonnay was composed from three exceptional California growing regions. Aromas of vanilla and tropical fruit open on the wine, carrying through to the smooth, layered palate. Notes of apple, coconut, mandarin and peach blend seamlessly with hints of butterscotch, caramel and graham cracker. Beautifully rich and round in the mouth, this appealing Chardonnay finishes with crisp, palate-refreshing lemon zest characteristics.
Try pairing this with an arugula-pear salad topped with goat cheese or, for something savory, almond-crusted chicken over herbed rice pilaf. For a cheese pairing, try creamy brie topped with orange marmalade.
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.