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Nicole Hitchcock Named Winemaker of the Year

We’re beyond excited to share that Nicole Hitchcock has been awarded the 2022 Winemaker of the Year Wine Star Award by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Since joining J in 2015, Nicole has consistently raised the bar of our sparkling and still portfolio and played a key role in pushing our award-winning wine and food experiences into exciting new directions. Her love of learning and forward-thinking approach to leadership, winemaking and supporting community are at the heart of everything we do at J, and we couldn’t be happier for her to be recognized with this honor.

In celebration of Nicole Hitchcock’s 2022 Winemaker of the Year Wine Star Award, we’ve compiled a collection of Wine Enthusiast-reviewed wines to reflect the breadth of Nicole’s expertise as both a sparkling and still winemaker.

Go Behind the Scenes with Nicole Hitchcock

“Winemaking allows me to channel my creativity in a way that directly contributes to good times and unforgettable moments in people’s lives. I couldn’t be prouder of the wines we are producing at J,” says Nicole Hitchcock. Hear Gina and Joe C. Gallo’s impression of Nicole’s leadership, empathy and mentorship at J.

NV Brut Rosé (Russian River Valley)

NV Brut Rosé (Russian River Valley)

94 PTS.
EDITOR’S CHOICE

“With an inviting, fruity nose, this is a crowd-pleasing, well-made and memorable sparkler with good acidity and lasting freshness. Flavors of tangerine, strawberry and raspberry rise to the fore of the palate, elegantly wrapped around textured elegance.”Wine Enthusiast October 2022

94 PTS.

“With 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir in the blend, this is an impressive sparkling wine. It offers an inviting mix of yeast, flowers, peach and pear on a creamy, well-resolved and nearly silky texture.” Wine Enthusiast March 2022

2013 Vintage Brut Late Disgorged (Russian River Valley)

2017 Blanc de Noirs (Russian River Valley)

92 PTS.

“Leading with 77% Pinot Noir, the rest Pinot Meunier, and then given three years en tirage, this lovely wine tastes of strawberry, fresh herbs and a touch of baking spice. It is rich and round, with plenty of acidity to balance it and keep it fresh.” – Wine Enthusiast March 2022

93 PTS.

“Buzzy, expansive and fresh, this is a classic varietal wine that is tangy in crisp, crunchy red fruit. Forest notes dominate and complement the fruit, wrapped in silky smooth tannin and integrated oak.” Wine Enthusiast November 2021

2018 Noir Collection Edition No. 3 Pinot Noir (Green Valley)

2018 Canfield Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

93 PTS.

“This medium-bodied wine is layered in dark cherry, strawberry and tea, with a grip of powerful tannins. It finds balance and complexity in accents of toasted oak, cola and baking spice, and is rich and rewarding to the end.” Wine Enthusiast November 2021

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