2017 JCB No. 49 Chardonnay

JCB Collection is a new winemaking enterprise from Jean-Charles Boisset, a native of Vougeot, Burgundy, now making wine in Northern California. His parents founded Château du Clos Vougeot in Burgundy in 1961, launching themselves into what has become a multi-generational business of winemaking in Burgundy, the South of France, Italy, Napa Valley and the Russian River Valley. In 2003 the family, now headed by Jean-Charles, acquired DeLoach Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, and later acquired also Raymond Vineyards and Buena Vista Winery. More recently Boisset started the JCB Collection of wines to combine the tradition of French winemaking with the heritage of historic terroirs around the world. The collection includes a full portfolio of wines from Cabernet blends to whites, sparkling wines and dessert wines. JCB wines are special cuveés made at the family’s wineries in California and elsewhere. Robert M. Parker Jr. has noted that the JCB wines “demonstrate the visionary as well as creative genius of Jean-Charles Boisset. They represent both his traditional upbringing in Burgundy and his passion and belief in the quality of Northern California fruit.” All JCB wines are made in limited quantities.

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is a 12-mile long, narrow strip of an appellation wedged along the eastern hillsides of the Santa Lucia mountain range. Given its proximity to Big Sur and the Gabilan Mountain Range to the northeast, Santa Lucia a cool-climate wine growing district. Morning sun is often followed by maritime winds and fog in the afternoon, a weather pattern that prolongs the growing season and means long, gentle ripening of the grapes. Spanish missionaries planted vineyards in the district in the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that modern winemakers planted vineyards and began making high quality wine. The district received AVA status in 1991 and today there are 6,000 vineyard acres in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape planted, followed by Chardonnay and Riesling.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.