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We are overwhelmed with gratitude for another year filled with fabulous wines, meaningful connections and exuberant celebrations. From Nicole Hitchcock’s Winemaker of the Year award to Shifting the Lens to the release of 08 XLD, and so much more, this has been a year of thrilling firsts and unforgettable events that will be hard to top in 2024…but we’re going to do our best! Take a look back at our proudest moments and get a peek at what’s ahead in the new year.
Earlier this year, Nicole Hitchcock made her mark on the wine industry when she was named the 2022 Winemaker of the Year from Wine Enthusiast. Nicole’s knowledge, passion and dedication have resulted in impeccably crafted, high-scoring wines throughout her years at J — earning her critical acclaim and now this prestigious award.
“Being awarded Winemaker of the Year was an honor I will never forget. It served as an acknowledgment that all the time, energy and love that we put into our winemaking is recognized and admired.”
Shifting the Lens, our culinary series highlighting voices and perspectives often underrepresented in the wine industry, brought new award-winning and highly acclaimed guest chefs to the Bubble Room. During each residency, the chefs used their histories, experiences and backgrounds to create 5-course tasting menus that were expertly paired with J wines in collaboration with Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock.
And this year, Shifting the Lens won the Sonoma County Tourism Innovation Award! This award acknowledges our work to develop an inclusive atmosphere and promote a greater level of diversity in all aspects of the wine industry. We are honored to have received this award and we plan on continuing our efforts for inclusivity and diversity in the years ahead.
Chef Ana Castro, one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs of 2022, created a menu rooted in her Mexican upbringing, highlighting cuisine that’s been passed down through generations, with dishes such as Tlacoyo with Ayocote Negro, Daikon and Caviar and Chochoyotes with Dungeness Crab, Epazote and Summer Peppers.
A James Beard Award nominee, Top Chef contestant and a San Francisco Chronicle “Rising Star Chef,” Chef Tu David Phu’s menu offered his personal take on Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes inspired by his own cultural and experiential journey, such as Summer Truffle & Garlic Sapporo Noodles and Campuchia Style BBQ Liberty Duck.
After spending 13 years en tirage, this incomparable ultra-small-lot 2008 Extra Late Disgorged Brut made its debut this year, with a release party for friends, media and some of our longest-serving Club J members.
“There are no shortcuts or substitutes for time; both in life and in Sparkling winemaking. Nothing is guaranteed, but with diligence, patience and optimism, great things can happen — and I’m very proud to release 08 XLD after all
these years.”
—Nicole Hitchcock, Winemaker
With only 80 cases produced for this and future XLD releases, the 08 XLD is a uniquely singular, thought-provoking experience that demonstrates the nuance and complexity that can develop in the bottle when allowed to reach its pinnacle. Showcasing the flourishing golden years in the long life of a meticulously produced Russian River Valley sparkling wine, this wine captures a moment in time — one that won’t be repeated.
Although 2023 was a year of exciting firsts, unforgettable events and delicious wines, we’re even more excited for what’s to come in 2024! Get a peek at upcoming events by clicking below and stay tuned for exciting announcements, new experiences and noteworthy releases in the months ahead.
