2017 Jax Vineyards Dutton Ranch Chardonnay

Jax Vineyards is owned and run by the Jackson family, which includes Kimberly Jackson Wickham, her brother Trent Jackson, and their CEO and co-founder Dan Parrott. Winemaker is Kirk Venge. Vineyards are at the foot of Mount St. Helena, just south of Knights Valley. The vineyards are at least 4f0 years old and dry farmed. Jax makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, blends and a rosé. The wines have earned ratings in the low to mid 90s.

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

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.