Past visits to J seemed to focus on sparkling wines, particularly my first visit several years ago. Their sparklings are clean and crisp with beautifully bright flavors. The last time I was there, we tasted one of their sparklings that tasted remarkably of apple. We tasted two this time out, their Brut Rose NV ($32, 13,500 cases) and the 2005 Vintage Brut ($48). Both met high expectations from previous visits. The Brut Rose earned 90 points from the Wine Enthusiast.
What impressed me this time out was the quality of the varietals J is producing. I've long enjoyed their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir available at the local grocery store, but they are making some low production wines that are outstanding. We sampled two Chardonnays on this trip, the 2010 Strata ($45, 500 cases) and the 2010 Jewell Ranch Vineyard ($45, 500 cases). The Strata is in the Burgundian style, minerally and clean. Surprisingly, my creamy/buttery loving sweetie was clearly enjoying it. The Jewell Ranch Vineyard is in the Green Valley, a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley. While both were wonderful, we took home a bottle of the Strata.
The Pinots were rich and well balanced. We tasted three on the visit, the 2009 Russian River Valley ($35, 12,000 cases), the 2009 Robert Thomas Vineyard - Block 2 ($65, 400 cases), and the 2009 Barrel 16 ($75, 535 cases). Each step up the ladder surpassed the previous rung. The RRV is widely available in local groceries and package stores, but the other two are only found at the tasting room or on-line through their website. The website says of the Barrel 16, "The 2009 J Vineyards “Barrel 16” Pinot Noir is a luxurious wine with distinct complexity and balanced tannins. The wine opens with subtle floral aromas of violet followed by cherry, plum, and blueberry. There are also delicate hints of licorice and spice. Rich and supple flavors of vanilla cream and strawberry fill the mouth, complementing the noseand providing a long, lingering finish of cinnamon, clove, and anise." And of the Robert Thomas Vineyard it says, "The 2009 J Vineyards “Robert Thomas Vineyard—Block 2” Pinot Noir features rose petal, violet, and subtle vanilla toasty aromas. Earthy, ripe strawberry, cherry, and nuances of cranberry fill your mouth with silkiness balanced by a nice acidity. The fruit is gracefully layered with tannins that carry through to a lengthy, lush finish of caramel and vanilla. This Pinot Noir pairs well with marbled red meat broiled to perfection. Try it with Boeuf Bourguignon or braised lamb shanks that have been basted in this wine." While both were fantastic, we opted for a bottle of the Barrel 16, another wine for a special occassion.J's tasting room is an elegant affair on the west side of 101 a little south of Healdsburg at 11447 Old Redwood Highway. We found their staff to be attentive, informative, and friendly. Their website is http://www.jwine.com/. J has four varieties of their wine club, ranging from the J Signature with two to four bottles five times a year, to J Luxe, which is limited to 50 members and provides access to their most exclusive wines.
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