J Winery established its presence in the premium sparkling wine market in 1986. Owner Judy Jordan had a vision that was dissimilar to that of her father Tom Jordan, who built his reputation constructing Bordeaux styled Cabernet at Jordan Winery in Alexander Valley. Judy’s focus was the niche segment of “methode champenoise” (champagne method) style of sparkling wine. In partnership with her father, she acquired 118 acres of vineyards in Russian River Valley and the former Piper Sonoma wine facility in 1996. Judy Jordan is one of the pioneering women in wine starting when she was just 26 years old. Judy sold J Vineyards and Winery to E & J Gallo in 2015. Today, winemaking is under the guidance of Nicole Hitchcock.

J Chardonnays can easily be described as classy. This wine has a straw yellow color with medium weight. It is delicately balanced with lemon curd, pineapple, ground cinnamon spice and a touch of minerality. The wine has some buttercream and excellent glycerin. Give it more bottle age and the wine will continue to evolve. A crowd pleaser, just like her sparkling wines!

By Joe Dimmagio