Wines

2015 J Chardonnay, STRATA

  • 750ml
  • $40
  • QTY
  • ADD TO BASKET

Crisp and focused, the distinctive 2015 J Vineyards STRATA Chardonnay opens with aromas of yellow apple and pineapple, backed by hints of toffee, clove and cinnamon spice. On the palate, notes of lemon cream and lime zest are accented by Bosc pear and ginger. With its refreshingly crisp acidity, the versatile STRATA Chardonnay pairs well with lobster bisque or alongside aged white cheddar with a spiced apple compote. 

VITICULTURE NOTES

The 2015 vintage was early, short and fairly warm. After significant winter rainfall and a warm spring, budbreak occurred in mid-March. In May, cooler temperatures slowed down growth and led to a long bloom period that lowered yields. These conditions coupled with constant coastal breezes provided an ideal combination of elements to produce concentrated fruit flavors and a crisp acidity. 

WINEMAKING NOTES

The grapes for the 2015 STRATA Chardonnay were sourced from four incredible vineyards throughout the cool-climate Russian River Valley. In addition to showcasing expert winemaking blending, the lots chosen for inclusion in our STRATA Chardonnay feature the distinctive terroir–driven lemon cream and focused minerality qualities of this ideal Chardonnay growing region. 

Grapes were hand harvested in late August/early September at 23.5 Brix, then whole clusters gently pressed to obtain clean juice. After two days of settling, juice was racked to barrels for a long, slow and cool barrel fermentation that allowed the wine to develop refined fruit flavors. Three months of malolactic sur-lie fermentation delivered the wine’s creamy, silky character. We used tight-grain French oak barrels, 33% new, for nine months’ aging, giving the wine hints of toasty character and elegant vanilla flavor. 

Technical Notes

Vineyard:
Bow Tie Vineyard and other select sources
Clones:
Wente, Old Robert Young
Aging:
100% tight grain French oak, 33% new, for 9 months
Harvest Dates:
August 31 – September 19, 2015
Alcohol:
14.3%
Acid:
0.62 g/100ml
pH:
3.36

Related Items

Click arrows to see more.

Crisp and focused, the distinctive 2014 J Vineyards STRATA Chardonnay leads with creamy lemon curd, orange zest and tart pear aromatics, backed by subtle hints of oak spiciness.
2014 J Chardonnay, STRATA
This opens with notes of warm, flaky toasted brioche. On the rich, complex palate, abundant notes of orange marmalade, spiced honey, ripe apricot and nutmeg are lifted by underlying hints of crisp minerality.
2016 J Chardonnay, STRATA
Awarded 92-points by Wine Spectator, our generous and spicy 2016 J Russian River Valley Chardonnay offers beautifully nuanced layers of ginger, clove and nutmeg that complement the rich fruit notes of Asian pear, preserved lemon, key lime and dried apple. Bright acidity lifts the palate, leading to a lingering finish.
2016 J Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
This silky, expansive Chardonnay offers aromas and flavors of juicy yellow peach, baked pear and mandarin, complemented by notes of toffee and Tahitian vanilla bean.
2015 J Chardonnay, Bow Tie Vineyard
Aromas of golden delicious apple, sweet ginger and tangerine essence, easing into a silky palate of Asian pear, stone fruit and toasted baking spice.
2015 J Chardonnay Barrel 16