Jackson Family Wines - B&W Wines
Date: Oct 16/14, Thu Time: 16:00:00-19:30:00 Style: Drop-In
Jackson Family Wines is among the last remaining family-owned and operated winery groups in the world. Their home is Sonoma County, one of the premier wine producing regions of California.
The Jackson family owns more than 35 individual wineries and thousands of acres of vineyards in five countries across four continents. When Jess Jackson entered the wine business three decades ago, his goal was to create a family enterprise specializing in handmade wines of unmatched character.
Today, under the leadership of Chairman and Proprietor Barbara Banke, wife of Jess Jackson for 25 years, all members of the Jackson family hold key positions throughout the company and continue their long-term vision based on superior wine quality and social responsibility. Throughout our history, Jackson Family Wines has been committed to preserving our natural resources, giving back to our communities and producing some of the finest, most distinctive wines on earth.
B&W Wines invited FWR members to meet and greet Jennifer Heuther - the first female Master Sommelier in Canada - who was on-site to guide members through most cherished sites of The Jackson Family vineyards.
Wines Tasted:
2010 Stonestreet, Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon ($54.95 +hst)
◦ From top to bottom the Alexander Mountain Estate possesses more than 20 soil types and 20 temperature zones. To ensure the utmost quality and authenticity, the property is divided into 235 separate vineyard blocks and sub-blocks. Each section has its own specific rootstocks, varieties, clones and viticultural protocols matched to the complexities of the terrain.
2011 Stonestreet, Upper Barn Chardonnay ($75.00 + hst)
◦ Stonestreet is the preeminent mountain winery in Sonoma County. The cornerstone of this respected producer is the Alexander Mountain Estate, a magnificent viticultural sanctuary in the eastern portion of the Alexander Valley AVA. Defined by its high elevations, volcanic soils and cool maritime breezes, this grand estate offers big views and a multitude of winegrowing conditions.
2010 La Jota Vineyards, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($89.00 + hst)
◦ The La Jota winery has deep roots in the Napa Valley winemaking history. It was W.S. Keyes who planted the first vines on Howell Mountain back in 1888. Ten years later, and a mile down the road, fellow Howell Mountain pioneer, Frederick Hess, established the La Jota Vineyard. While growing grapes in the nutrient-lean, volcanic soils of these vineyards is a challenge, the rewards are undeniable. Highly concentrated flavors and muscular tannins slowly mature to perfection, while the cool winds, diurnal temperature swings, and high altitude keep the grape acids impeccably balanced.
2010 Freemark Abbey, Sycamore Cabernet Sauvignon ($109.00 + hst)
◦ Freemark Abbey helped launch the modern era of California wine. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the Bosche Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Freemark was considered one of Americas most iconic bottlings. Freemark Abbey was one of 12 American wineries chosen to compete in the historic Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976. It was the only producer with entries in both the Cabernet and Chardonnay flights.
2008 Valadorna di Arcanum, IGT Toscana ($64.95 + hst)
◦ Climbing from 1,000 to 1,500 feet, the estate encompasses 10 different mesoclimates and 12 distinct soil types including galestro, the most prized of Tuscany. The 200+ acres of vines are broken into 63 small blocks planted to the varieties that best match the terroir. The wine is rich, dense and luscious with exotic aromas of violets, roses and raspberries. The Merlot-based Valadorna is plush and structured with a strong sense of minerality in the finish.
2012 Hartford, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, California ($49.95 + hst)
◦ Wines from Hartford are rare. Year after year, they rank among the most sought-after collectables from California. Without exception, Hartford wines are intense, thought provoking and expressive of both variety and terroir. They have been served at the White House on many occasions and are staples on “Reserve” wine lists around the country.
2011 Maggy Hawk, Unforgettable Pinot Noir, California ($74.99 +hst)
◦ Set on a hillside next to a forest of towering redwoods, the 57-acre Maggy Hawk estate is one of the closest vineyards to the ocean in the Anderson Valley. The Maggy Hawk core Pinot Noirs are vinified from single blocks and single clones. Thanks to the demanding conditions, the yields naturally average less than two tons per acre.
2009 Cenyth, California ($69.95 + hst)
◦ Cenyth is a collaboration between the second generation of two famous wine-producing families. Hélène Seillan, the daughter of Pierre Seillan. Featuring the five red Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec – and minimal new oak (30%) to preserve the freshness of the fruit – Cenyth offers a vibrantly new and personal interpretation of Sonoma County.
