New J Vineyards Wine Releases Showcase Russian River Valley

HEALDSBURG, Calif., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- It has become a Wine Country cliche that "great wine begins in the vineyard."  The reason that statement is so often used by winemakers is because it is true.

Throughout California, there are only a few locations where the artistic craft of winemaking, combined with modern viticultural techniques, can be matched successfully to the soil and the surrounding environment.  Wines of exceptional distinction are created when all these elements coalesce perfectly.  Sonoma County's Russian River Valley is one of those special places, and J Vineyards & Winery is one of those unique wine producers.

Today, J Vineyards & Winery announces its new collection of terroir-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris wines in a modern, elegant new package.  With the release of these wines, J Vineyards underscores its legacy as a top Sonoma County Russian River Valley wine producer.

For nearly a quarter of a century, J Vineyards & Winery has been making distinctive luxury sparkling wines from its estate vineyards and with grapes from top growers throughout the Russian River Valley.  The winery itself owns more than 250 acres of cool-climate estate grapes, planted on a myriad of rootstocks and clones, and all located along the loam and gravel benches and hillsides of the Russian River appellation.

J's varietal estate wines are clearly the future of the winery as expressed by Judy Jordan, Founder and President.  "We will continue to produce high-quality sparkling wines in relatively small quantities," says Jordan.  "With our new Russian River Valley estate varietal wines, we can push the winemaking envelope while building on our loyal consumer base," she added.

The new packaging is designed to distinguish J's varietal wines from its sparkling wines.  Though modern viticultural techniques and winemaking practices can be a great influence on what Mother Nature provides, it is still the soil, water, and air that are the prime ingredients in the art of terroir.

Just released and available in fine wine shops nationwide (Prices are suggested retail):

• 2007 J Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay — $28
• 2008 J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Gris — $16
• 2007 J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir — $35
• 2007 J Vineyards Russian River Valley "Nicole's Vineyard" Pinot Noir — $50
• 2007 J Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir — $50

Also releasing now and through May, but exclusively available at J's Tasting Room or online at www.jwine.com:

• 2008 J Vineyards Russian River Valley Vin Gris — $20
• 2007 J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinotage — $38
• 2007 J Vineyards Russian River Valley "Robert Thomas Vineyard" Pinot Noir — $50
• 2007 J Vineyards Russian River Valley "Nonny's Vineyard" Pinot Noir — $50
• 2007 J Vineyards Russian River Valley "Barrel 16" Pinot Noir — $50

Visit J Vineyards & Winery

A visit to the J Vineyards & Winery "Signature Bar" and "Bubble Room" is a must for anyone heading to Sonoma County and the Russian River Valley.  J's two tasting salons are the perfect hip locations to sample current vintages and catch up on the latest winery news and information.  The Signature Bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tastings are $20 per person for a selection of five wines.

The Bubble Room features a three-part seasonal food and wine experience prepared by Executive Chef Mark E. Caldwell.  The menu is designed to highlight the terroir of each of the six wines in the pairings.  The cost for the Bubble Room tasting is $60 per person and reservations are encouraged.

J Vineyards & Winery is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway in Healdsburg.  For more information call (707) 431-3646 or go to www.jwine.com.

SOURCE J Vineyards & Winery