J Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay 2017
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Generous and full 2017 Russian River Valley Chardonnay showcases the best of this classic Chardonnay growing region. The wine opens with concentrated, complex fruit notes of Anjou pear, golden delicious apple, mandarin orange, Meyer lemon and ripe tangerine. These bright fruit notes seamlessly bend with rich hints of crème brûlée, toasted hazelnut and Tahitian vanilla, giving the palate depth and contrast. Crisp acidity is carried throughout, structured with a kiss of toasted coconut and caramel toffee on the long, full finish. Pair this exceptional chardonnay alongside chicken pot pie with celery root, roasted parsnips, rutabaga and turnips, or with a fire and ice ceviche. For a cheese pairing, try this with baked brie with persimmon chutney.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
There are some lovely florals to this, such as jasmine, then loquat and nectarines, as well as undertones of citrus rind, vanilla and dried spices. Full-bodied with a wonderful mouthfeel and density, but a driven line of acidity and focus. Drink now.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: When J Vineyards entered the marketplace in 1986, I didn't know what to think? Is this going to be an adjunct to Jordan Vineyards or what? In a short time, J Vineyards had established itself as a first-class producer of sparkling wines, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs, and a few other cool grape varieties. The 2017 J Vineyards Chardonnay is an excellent example of Russian River Valley royalty. TASTING NOTES: This wine is omnipresent. Its aromas and flavors of ripe apples, well-placed oak accents, and earth should make it beautiful accompaniment with steamed Dungeness crab in drawn butter. (Tasted: December 10, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers juicy peach, apple and fig, with measured richness and highlights of vanilla and oak. The lush, creamy style is sure to appeal to many.
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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.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.