NICOLE’S WINE OF THE MONTH

THIS FRUIT-FORWARD SPARKLING TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT FOR MAY

Choosing the best wine for every season can be a challenge, which is why Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock offers her expert insights and recommendations for the best seasonal selections of Russian River Valley wines from the J portfolio every month.

Nicole’s years of winemaking experience has earned her acclaim and accolades, including the 2022 Winemaker of the Year award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine — and has given her intrinsic knowledge of what makes a great seasonal wine.

MAY’S PICK

Blanc de Noirs

ABOUT BLANC DE NOIRS

A sparkling Pinot showcase, Blanc de Noirs opens with an elegant, lacy mousse and fine, energetic bubbles. Primarily composed of Pinot Noir, the addition of about 25% Pinot Meunier contributes to the clarity and purity of the red fruit and floral characteristics.

On the palate, this Russian River Valley wine offers generous notes of fresh-picked raspberry and strawberry, complemented by hints of rhubarb and dusty rose. A touch of minerality and cranberry adds nuance.

“When I think of May in Sonoma County, I think of warm days, but I also think of shoulder season, a little bit of rain, gloomy weather…[when playing games indoors] this wine shows up regularly on our game table and it lifts and delights and inspires the mood.”

— Nicole Hitchcock

Blanc de Noirs Russian River Valley 2019, 93 points

“Refreshing and energetic, with lively pear and cherry flavors that take on graham cracker and spice accents. Finishes with a snap. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.”

— Wine Spectator (February 2023)

DISCOVER NICOLE’S PREVIOUS PICKS BELOW

Check back every month for more wine picks that will add dimension and nuance to your cellar.

APRIL’S PICK

ANNAPOLIS RIDGE PINOT NOIR

“My family, friends and I go camping on the coast quite a bit …and when I think of coastal camping I think of redwoods, beautiful ridgetops, soaring birds and the ocean crashing…and when I close my eyes and think of this wine it reminds me of exactly the same thing.” — Nicole Hitchcock

With one sip of Annapolis Ridge Pinot Noir, you’ll understand why it receives high scores from Wine Spectator, James Suckling and Wine Advocate vintage after vintage. The expression of care, time and terroir combine to create a beautifully balanced and full-bodied Pinot Noir with notes of dark berry, cassis, anise, and rose petal, and aromas of blueberry, cherry and plum.

LEARN MORE

March’s Pick

2018 VINTAGE BRUT ROSÉ

“This wine reminds me of spring, particularly the fresh, underripe strawberries that you can find in the farmer’s market.” — Nicole Hitchcock

Earning 91 Points from Wine Spectator (December 2022), the 2018 Vintage Brut Rosé offers a refined take on a classic brut rosé style.

A delicate mousse of lively bubbles greets you at first sip, while notes of bright red fruits, quince and tangerine fill the palate ahead of the crisp, flavorful finish.

LEARN MORE

J Winery Top Russian River Wines of 2024

FEBRUARY’S PICK

brut rosè

“This wine makes me think of connection with others, whether they’re with us or far away — it’s all about connection with the  J Brut Rose.” — Nicole Hitchcock

This elegant and delightfully hued sparkling rosé opens with aromas of ripe raspberries, rose petals and slivered almonds. Luscious notes of fresh mandarin orange, roasted strawberries and crème fraîche alight the palate, as lively acidity and steely minerality frame a crisp, lingering finish.

LEARN MORE

Top Russian River Valley Wines picked by Nicole Hitchcock

JANUARY’S PICK

2014 VINTAGE BRUT

We conducted the dosage trials for our 2014 Vintage Brut in early 2020, and the wine stood out with its bright tanginess, lime zest, striking minerality and a touch of earthiness – it was clearly the favorite in our tasting. It’s been wonderful to see how those notes have evolved over the past four years and how much of the early attributes are still present in the glass. What really jumps out to me is the generosity of red fruit character on the mid-palate, which may be attributed to the slightly higher percentage of Pinot Meunier in the cuvée. I love how the red fruit notes play off the wine’s fresh acidity and brightness of structure, providing a clean finish — this vintage exemplifies some of the best qualities of Russian River Valley wines.

My youngest daughter was born in 2014, so this is a very personal vintage for me. I crafted the wine for longevity and have laid down some magnums to celebrate the cherished moments in her life.

LEARN MORE

UPCOMING EVENTS IN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

An award-winning culinary team, prized vineyards and unrivaled hospitality — our standard of excellence extends far beyond our portfolio of Russian River Valley wines. Discover all that J has to offer during every visit, special occasion or exclusive event.

EXPLORE EVENTS

J Vineyards is best winery to visit in Sonoma County