August 2017 Domestic Wine: 2015 Julia James Chardonnay, California
fine Wine Source Wine
August 2017
Julia James Wines: Julia James is part of a portfolio from Opici Wines, a predominantly imported wine house based out of New Jersey. The Opici story began in 1899 when Battista Opici travelled from Italy to help build the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark, New Jersey. After his work was complete he returned to Italy and moved back with his family in 1907. His son and wife began working for the wholesale beverage industry in Patterson New Jersey in 1913. Over the decades the business flourished and the Opici’s expanded operations to the West Coast and in NJ. In 2010 Opici Wines began a major transformation by adding brands from South America, Spain, and France. They also launched several proprietary brands, such as Julia James. The company strengthened its position in 2014 by creating Market Street Spirits, which produces and imports hand-crafted spirits and beers. From its inception, Opici has been family-owned and –operated. Although the fourth-generation is now at the helm, “American Wine Legend” Hubert Opici remains actively involved, and they won “Importer of the Year” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2014.
About:All of the vineyards used to source fruit for Julia James are sustainably farmed and maintained without use of any chemicals or pesticides. They work alongside small farmers in the Russian River Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Carneros, San Joaquin Valley, and Monterey County to find the highest quality grapes. The vineyards have an average vine age of 20 years and sit atop mineral rich soils of loam, sand, silt, and shale. Julia James is crafted by winemaker David Eliot, whose 30 year career was fueled by a passion for travel and learning about other cultures; giving him a truly global perspective of winemaking. Julia James Chardonnay is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with natural Burgundian yeasts. 10% of the wine is racked in large French oak barrels, while the remaining portion undergoes malolactic fermentation, adding texture and finesse. After a brief rest on lees, blending and bottling occurs before the product is shipped for maximum freshness.
Varietals: 100% Chardonnay .
Alcohol: 13.5%.
Tasting Notes: Ripe lemon color reflects golden highlights in the glass offering a mix of fresh pear, apple, melon and citrus on the nose. A bright juicy almost racy personality goes with exotic flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla, nectarine, & a hint of oak; creamy on the mid-palate with a crisp finish.
Food Pairings: Enjoy Julia James Chardonnay for any occasion; especially with salads, seafood, roasted chicken and lightly sauced pasta dishes.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: Rich with layers of complexity and the finish lasts for 15 minutes on the palate; best to serve with poultry or seafood.