NICOLE’S WINE OF THE MONTH
NOTHING SAYS FALL LIKE FOGGY BEND PINOT NOIR
Perhaps it’s because of the thick coastal fog that gives this wine extraordinary flavor, but it’s hard to imagine another wine that embodies October better than Foggy Bend Pinot Noir. Discover why winemaker Nicole Hitchcock made this her pick for October and explore her other seasonal selections of Russian River wines from the J portfolio every month.
Nicole’s years of winemaking experience have earned her acclaim and accolades — including the 2022 Winemaker of the Year award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine — and given her intrinsic knowledge of what makes a great seasonal wine.
OCTOBER’S PICK
ABOUT FOGGY BEND PINOT NOIR
Grown in Zamora and Cortina soils alongside the cool, misty banks of the Russian River, Foggy Bend Pinot Noir opens with wonderfully aromatic layers of red and dark fruit accented by hints of violet and redwood forest. The plush palate offers richness and depth coupled with clean, crisp acidity, while fine, soft tannins add structure. Abundant ripe cherry notes carry from first taste all the way through to the long finish, complemented with raspberry, pomegranate, chocolate, cola and baking spice characteristics.
“during the summertime, people are on the beaches and floating down the russian river, just adjacent to the vineyard. but this time of year, it gets cooler, and the fog stays for longer in the mornings at this site. that’s what makes the terroir so special at foggy bend.”
— nicole hitchcock
A Quick Note About Terroir
Defined as the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, Foggy Bend Pinot Noir is characterized by the distinct terroir of Foggy Bend Vineyard. The vineyard is composed of well-draining Cortina and Zamora soils that are found along the rocky, alluvial fan of the Russian River. During the growing season, a thick coastal fog hangs close to the ground, which usually evaporates by mid-day. This weather pattern provides a long fruit hang-time and grapes of vibrant flavor, bestowing wines from this vineyard with a crisp acidity and unique elegance.
DISCOVER NICOLE’S PREVIOUS PICKS BELOW
Check back every month for more wine picks that will add dimension and nuance to your cellar.
SEPTEMBER’s Pick
BARREL 16 CHARDONNAY
“If I had to choose just one wine until the end of time, it would be Barrel 16 Chardonnay. At the end of every season, my team and I spend hour upon hour in the barrel cellar, tasting every individual barrel and selecting only the very best barrels to go into this blend.” — Nicole Hitchcock
Showcasing the finest Chardonnay lots of the vintage, Barrel 16 Chardonnay opens with inviting aromas of crème brûlée, cinnamon toast and warm pastry. On the palate, a core of rich, smooth creaminess is framed by beautifully bright acidity, with concentrated fruit notes of lemon curd, citrus, baked apple and ripe yellow plum.
August’S PICK
EASTSIDE KNOLL VINEYARD PINOT NOIR
“Eastside Knoll Vineyard is a place that makes me think of fresh beginnings. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my family gathered to witness my now brother-in-law propose to my sister. It was an exciting new beginning for both of them.” — Nicole Hitchcock
An intricately layered and velvety-smooth single-vineyard wine, Eastside Knoll Vineyard Pinot Noir opens with aromas of dark fruit and forest floor. On the plush, detailed palate, generous notes of plum, blueberry, dusty boysenberry and chocolate blend seamlessly with hints of cherry cola, anise and spice.
JULY’S Pick
BLANC DE BLANCS
“On warm summer days, I love to drive out to the coast with my family. We pack a picnic and always bring the Blanc de Blancs — its beautiful minerality is the perfect complement to summer.” — Nicole Hitchcock
Our Blanc de Blancs opens with suggestions of sea spray, minerality and lime zest on the nose, which carry through to the lively, layered palate. Notes of Meyer lemon, dried green apple and apricot blend seamlessly with hints of warm brioche, toasted sesame seed and almond crème.
June’S PICK
ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR
“I consider June the gateway to summer. We sit outside and open a bottle of wine, often Rosé. It’s the perfect wine to enjoy as summer gets started.”
— Nicole Hitchcock
Our Rosé of Pinot Noir offers the perfumed aromas, brightness and delicacy that define the best of the style. Appealing notes of juicy tangerine and white peach are layered with dried raspberry, strawberry and tart pomegranate, make this wine the perfect pick for June.
MaY’s Pick
BLANC DE NOIRS
“When I think of May in Sonoma County, I think of warm days, but I also think of shoulder season, a little bit of rain, gloomy weather…[when playing games indoors] this wine shows up regularly on our game table, and it lifts and delights and inspires the mood.”
— Nicole Hitchcock
Earning 93 points from Wine Spectator (February 2023), this sparkling Pinot showcase opens with an elegant, lacy mousse and fine, energetic bubbles. Notes of fresh-picked raspberry and strawberry alight the palate, while a touch of minerality and cranberry adds nuance.
APRIL’S PICK
ANNAPOLIS RIDGE PINOT NOIR
“My family, friends and I go camping on the coast quite a bit …and when I think of coastal camping I think of redwoods, beautiful ridgetops, soaring birds and the ocean crashing…and when I close my eyes and think of this wine it reminds me of exactly the same thing.” — Nicole Hitchcock
With one sip of Annapolis Ridge Pinot Noir, you’ll understand why it receives high scores from Wine Spectator, James Suckling and Wine Advocate vintage after vintage. The expression of care, time and terroir combine to create a beautifully balanced and full-bodied Pinot Noir with notes of dark berry, cassis, anise, and rose petal, and aromas of blueberry, cherry and plum.
March’s Pick
2018 VINTAGE BRUT ROSÉ
“This wine reminds me of spring, particularly the fresh, underripe strawberries that you can find in the farmer’s market.” — Nicole Hitchcock
Earning 91 Points from Wine Spectator (December 2022), the 2018 Vintage Brut Rosé offers a refined take on a classic brut rosé style.
A delicate mousse of lively bubbles greets you at first sip, while notes of bright red fruits, quince and tangerine fill the palate ahead of the crisp, flavorful finish.
FEBRUARY’S PICK
brut rosè
“This wine makes me think of connection with others, whether they’re with us or far away — it’s all about connection with the J Brut Rose.” — Nicole Hitchcock
This elegant and delightfully hued sparkling rosé opens with aromas of ripe raspberries, rose petals and slivered almonds. Luscious notes of fresh mandarin orange, roasted strawberries and crème fraîche alight the palate, as lively acidity and steely minerality frame a crisp, lingering finish.
JANUARY’S PICK
2014 VINTAGE BRUT
We conducted the dosage trials for our 2014 Vintage Brut in early 2020, and the wine stood out with its bright tanginess, lime zest, striking minerality and a touch of earthiness – it was clearly the favorite in our tasting. It’s been wonderful to see how those notes have evolved over the past four years and how much of the early attributes are still present in the glass. What really jumps out to me is the generosity of red fruit character on the mid-palate, which may be attributed to the slightly higher percentage of Pinot Meunier in the cuvée. I love how the red fruit notes play off the wine’s fresh acidity and brightness of structure, providing a clean finish — this vintage exemplifies some of the best qualities of Russian River Valley wines.
My youngest daughter was born in 2014, so this is a very personal vintage for me. I crafted the wine for longevity and have laid down some magnums to celebrate the cherished moments in her life.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
An award-winning culinary team, prized vineyards and unrivaled hospitality — our standard of excellence extends far beyond our portfolio of Russian River Valley wines. Discover all that J has to offer during every visit, special occasion or exclusive event.
