2010 James Family Cellars Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Mission Codename: Four generations and counting
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Secure a delicious Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from our goof friends at James Family Cellars.
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: James Family Cellars
Wine Subject: 2010 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Winemaker: Terry Adams
Backgrounder:
The Sonoma Coast AVA is the 750 square mile area with the Pacific ocean on its western boundary, the San Pablo Bay to the south and Mendocino County to the north, headed inland to the other designated AVAs in Sonoma County. The region is heavily influenced by the cooler ocean climate, increased rainfall and fog that lingers long on the coastal mountains. The specific climate suits the demanding Burgundian varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir very well.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Very pale straw yellow and brilliantly clear that pales further to nearly clear along the edges. When swirled, this wine settles quickly in the glass and leaves slow broad headed tears on the side of the glass.
Smell – Bright and fresh aromas of white peach, tropical melon and sweet and tangy citrus blends with a touch of butter cream, white flowers and hints of toasted oak.
Feel – Medium to full-bodied for a white, this dry wine has vibrant acidity and a nice soft minerality. Plush and generous on the tongue that lasts long into the finish.
Taste – Fresh but also balanced orchard tree fruit including apple, pear and peaches with a little tangy citrus. These classic fruit flavors are complimented by old-world complexity of soft butter, toasted wood and oak, white floral notes and soft minerality that is tasted and felt on the side of the tongue.
Finish – Long and lingering with the tree fruit fading first and the tangy citrus and other complex flavors lingering on and on and on…
Conclusion – The 2010 James Family Cellars Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is quite simply a delicious wine that shows real Burgundian character. Great fruit and other complex aromas and flavors without the typical overly buttery and thick mouth-feel. The fresh acidity and soft minerality makes this a great wine to pair with food and being winter we found it the perfect accompaniment to fresh raw oysters.
Mission Report:
GRAPE GROWER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER
SUBJECT: Jeff James
FARMING EDUCATION: U.C. Davis – Agricultural Science & Management degree
CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF:
WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Start with good grapes, then don’t mess them up.
GRAPE GROWER QUOTE: “You want to know how to make a small fortune in farming?… you start with a large fortune.”
FIRST HARVEST AT STONY POINT VINEYARD:September, 2000
WINERY OWNER INTERVIEW
AGENT RED: Greetings, Jeff. It’s great to be showcasing your wine again. We are thrilled to be showing your 2010 Sonoma Coast Chardonay today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.
JEFF JAMES: Thank you so much. We’re happy to be back with you and your Operatives, once again.
RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?
JEFF: My friends at U.C. Davis would occasionally bring the wines that they were making from their vineyards at home. Some were really good… some were not.
RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.
JEFF: Our 2010 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a very well-balanced and food-friendly wine. We think we found a very nice place in the flavor and texture profile with this vintage – not over the top with oaky and buttery components, but with just enough of each to enhance the complexity and mouthfeel of the wine.
RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?
JEFF: Our fresh, local, Dungeness crab is fantastic with this wine. Another pairing that pleasantly surprised us was warm oatmeal raisin cookies right out of the oven… not what you would think of as a classic pairing, but it works exceptionally well with our chardonnay!
RED: In your opinion, what makes the Sonoma Coast so special for Chardonnay?
JEFF: Our neighborhood in the Sonoma Coast appellation is marked by a long, cool, ripening season which is ideal for developing complex flavors and elegant wines.
RED: What is occupying your time in the vineyard these days?
JEFF: Keeping barrels topped up, and getting our Rose’ of Pinot Noir cold stabilized and ready for its release in the Spring. We’re also busy pruning in the vineyard.
RED: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
JEFF: The next time you enjoy a glass of wine or a bite of food, try to remember to honor the farmer that produced it for you. Cheers!
RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The location of the James Family Cellars can be seen in this satellite photo.
