J Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Chardonnay 2016

 Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock demonstrates clearly here that she also has a deft hand with white table wines.  Though J is primarily a sparkling wine house, it’s pinot noir, pinot gris and chardonnay receive every bit as much TLC as the bubblies.  This vintage of the Russian River Valley chardonnay (there are other chards that are more site specific) is beautifully crafted, showing layered complexity with aromas of lemon crème, white peach and pear.  The balance between fruit, acid and oak is exquisite, with a lingering note of wood spice that exhibits just the right touch without intruding upon the luscious fruits flavors.