J Vineyards and Winery 2013 Vin Gris - 90pts

J Vineyards and Winery 2013 Vin Gris (Russian River Valley) California - USA

Availability: Specialty wine shops in BC or direct from winery here
Cost: $20 (USD), $24-26 (CDN)
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 5,000 cases
Date Tasted: September 21st, 2014

Tasting Notes: This beautiful, medium salmon-hued rosé open with a lovely, sun-drenched nose of ripe strawberry, peach fuzz, rose water, cran-apple and light citrus aromas. The palate is delightfully smooth and balanced with bright red fruit, steely mineral and tangy citrus flavours galore while a hint of tannins linger on the long, spice'n'lemon rind-infused finish. An excellent, food-friendly rosé to be enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

J Vineyards and Winery 2013 Pinot Gris - 89pts

J Vineyards and Winery 2013 Pinot Gris (California) USA

Availability: Specialty wine shops in BC or direct from winery here
Cost: $16 (USD), $20 (CDN)
Alcohol: 13.8%
Production: 60,000 cases
Date Tasted: August 23rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: J Vineyards and Winery offers three Pinot Gris skus ranging from a single-vineyard version to this 'California' blend; a Gris for the masses. At 60,000 cases, this wine's character is constructed via blending, rather than extracted from its micro-climate terroir, but the construction is superbly done with layers of floral and tropical fruit aromas woven together with cool mineral and sweet apricot notes around the edges.

The palate is rich from malolactic fermentation and ripe melon flavours, not from oak ageing, and is nicely balanced by grapefruit and lemon peel acidity, resolving into a long, crisp finish with hints of light spice. Ready to be enjoyed today with a warm lobster or scallop salad. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

J Vineyards and Winery 2009 Chardonnay - 90pts

J Vineyards and Winery 2009 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) Sonoma County - California

Availability: Costco and direct from winery here
Cost: $25-30
Alcohol: 14.3%
Production: 8000 cases
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is the right kind of California oaked Chardonnay; big and buttery without the loss of balance. Melon, caramel apple and pear aromas greet you on the intense nose followed by similar flavours on the rich, textured palate with added white chocolate, lime rind and lychee notes. The finish is long and refined with a light mineral edge. Very food friendly for cream sauce pastas and risotto dishes or enjoy a chilled glass as you sit by the fire this winter. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca