Tom Simoneau joins Steve Jaxon this week with his 2019 Wines of the Year and to interview Nicole Hitchcock, winemaker at J Vineyards and Tom's 2019 Winery of the Year. Today's show notes are by Tom Simoneau.
Winery of the Year: J Vineyards & Winery

With the J Cuvée 20 being my sparkling wine of the year, I’m here to tell you that’s just a small part of what is happening at J. Since it was purchased by E & J Gallo Winery in 2015, the brand continues to flourish under the new ownership. Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock oversees a portfolio that includes 1 Pinot Gris, 1 Vin Gris, 6 Chardonnays, 10 Pinot Noirs, and 8 Sparklers. I was the lucky guy who got to taste most of them last month. The tasting room is a must stop as they have an in-house chef to pair these stunning wines with some very creative small plates. Congratulations to J Vineyards & Winery as my 2019 Winery of the Year. jwine.com
Best Whites
Sparkling Wine:
J Vineyard & Winery Cuvée 20, Nonvintage, Russian River Valley, $38. Initially introduced to commemorate their 20th Anniversary. Cuvée 20 today represents the workhorse of the J Sparkling wine portfolio. jwine.com
Chardonnay:
Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards 2017 Sonoma Coast Les Pierres, Estate Grown, $42. Long known for producing some of Sonoma County’s finest Chardonnay. Winemaker Mick Schroeter continues that tradition. sonomacutrer.com
Sauvignon Blanc:
Dry Creek Vineyard 2018 Dry Creek Valley, $20. With classic Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc flavors this 100% Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in 84% stainless steel with 16% barrel fermented in neutral Acacia, French, and Chestnut barrels. Congrats to winemaker Tim Bell. drycreekvineyard.com
Off Dry White:
Mill Creek Vineyard & Winery 2018 Gewurztraminer, Dry Creek Valley, Estate, $27. To say Mill Creek is a family affair is an understatement. Bill and Yvonne Kreck are the hands on owners and grape growers while son Jeremy handles the winemaking. millcreekwinery.com
Alternative White:
Gordian Knot Winery 2018 Albarino, Russian River Valley, Elieo Vineyard, $28. Unfortunately this will be the last vintage from Gordian Knot, due to the untimely death of co-owner and winemaker Tim Meinken. If you’ve never tried Albarino, think of it this way… if a Sauvignon Blanc wanted to be a Riesling it would be an Albarino. gordianknotwinery.com
Best Value White:
Kim Crawford 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, $18. Often discounted, this is a can’t miss dry white that falls right in the middle of grapefruit, grass, and gooseberry. Crisp, clean, and I’ve seen this wine as low as $10. kimcrawfordwines.com
Most Fun Wine:
Sterling Vineyards has released a trio of wines in recyclable aluminum bottles. The 375ml Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rosé are real wines full of varietal character. They are perfect when glass bottles, cork pullers, and glasses are not appropriate. $7.99 for 375ml. sterlingvineyards.com
Sweet Wine:
Simi Winery 2018 Late Harvest Riesling, Alexander Valley, 375ml, $35. When you talk to winemakers this is probably the most difficult and expensive wine to make. This Simi is the best I’ve had in years. Dessert in a glass. simiwinery.com
Luxury Wine:
Maritana 2017 Chardonnay, Dutton Hanson Hill, Russian River Valley, $90. This is the new project from Donald Patz of Patz and Hall fame. This 1.8 acre parcel farmed by the Dutton family is vinified using only 27% new French Oak to focus on the fruit and minerality of the site. That’s what Donald Patz has been doing since he sold his winery. donaldpatzwinegroup.com
Rosé:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese, Alexander Valley, $16. This wine was born to be a Rosé. Picked at a lower sugar to finish dry at 13% alcohol. Fruit forward and as versatile for a food pairing as there is. avvwine.com
Best Reds: