J Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay
J Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a 750mL white wine from California's Russian River Valley — the estate Chardonnay of J Vineyards & Winery, listed as 100% Chardonnay on the winery's trade sheet. The listing carries no vintage: documented ABV for this bottling runs from 14.0% to 14.3% depending on the year (2020–2022 trade and retailer records), so the bottle's label is the final word on strength. J farms six estate vineyards chosen to show the diversity of the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, hand-harvesting into small bins, hand-sorting, and pressing in Coquard presses; reviews of recent vintages describe fermentation in French oak with full malolactic conversion. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 14.0–14.3% by vintage (trade/retailer records, 2020–2022); label is final
- Size: 750mL
- Varietal: 100% Chardonnay (trade sheet)
- Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
- Winemaking: Hand-harvested, hand-sorted, Coquard-pressed; recent vintages fermented in French oak with full malolactic (review-documented)
- Scores: 2022 vintage — James Suckling 93, Wine Enthusiast 92 (via K&L)
- Producer: J Vineyards & Winery, Russian River Valley, CA (founded 1986 by Judy Jordan; winemaker Nicole Hitchcock)
An Estate Chardonnay from Russian River Valley
Judy Jordan founded J in 1986 in the Russian River Valley, first for sparkling wine and then for estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; today winemaker Nicole Hitchcock leads the cellar. The valley's fog and Goldridge soils give Chardonnay its signature here — ripe orchard fruit held in a crisp frame — and J's six estate vineyards let the blend draw on that range. Recent vintages have earned strong reviews in that style (the 2022 scored 93 from James Suckling and 92 from Wine Enthusiast). Shop the winery via the J Vineyards & Winery vendor page or browse the wider white wine collection.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Orange blossom and spiced pear, with floral and citrus lift (winery notes, recent vintages). Palate: White peach, pear, pineapple and Meyer lemon with toasted hazelnut, vanilla and sage brown butter. Finish: Long and crisp.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled. Russian River Chardonnay's ripe fruit and acidity pair well with roast chicken, grilled salmon, corn dishes and soft cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABV of this Chardonnay? It varies by vintage — documented figures for this Russian River Valley bottling run 14.0% to 14.3%; the winery does not publish an ABV on its product page, so check the bottle's label.
Is this the same as J's California Chardonnay? No — J also makes a separate multi-county California bottling. This listing is the Russian River Valley estate Chardonnay.
Who makes J Vineyards wines? J was founded by Judy Jordan in 1986; Nicole Hitchcock is the current winemaker.
Russian River estate Chardonnay, vintage to vintage — get J Vineyards Chardonnay online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.