Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
A rich, bold and satisfying wine aiming to satisfy any Chardonnay cravings. There are notes of movie theatre popcorn, toasted hazelnuts and a hint of tropical fruits, finished with sunkissed lemon peel. The palate is just as lush, with a creamy texture and a touch of zesty citrus and green pineapple. This is excellent for grandma’s creamy chicken fettuccine recipe. Jam Cellars is the brainchild of John and Michelle Truchard. Their brands, Jam and Butter, hit the market at the right time with styles that capture the essence of the featured varietals, and they have achieved strong sales in the US. When they are not busy creating a successful wine brand, the Truchards spend time in the music world promoting and attending shows.
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.