JC Cellars

Jeff Cohn, the highly regarded winemaker at Rosenblum, known for making some of California’s greatest Zinfandels (and Rhone varieties, too), started his own label in 1997.   Jeff’s manic personality allowed him to wear both hats quite effectively, but he recently left Rosenblum to give his full attention to J.C. Cellars.  His name will always be associated with Zinfandel, but his first love is producing hand-crafted single vineyard Syrah, Petite Syrah, Viognier --- and yes, Zinfandel, too. Affectionately known as:“Rhone-in-his-bones Cohn”, Jeff is creating hillside-grown Syrah of amazing concentration and depth.

 

#9916 JC Cellars Syrah “California Cuvee” 2004 12/750 $264.00 $22.00

Every year, Jeff’s given an opportunity to blend wines --- from mostly younger plantings of his various vineyards throughout the state. “This is a wine for the table. Ready to drink now or to lie down for 1-3 years.  Jeff says:  "Drink up, we'll make more!"  He’s on a roll, I’ll let him describe the wine, too:  “The California Cuvee always contains a great spice backbone of white pepper from our Ventana vineyard (30%) in Monterey County. An amazing cherry and raspberry core from the Fess Parker vineyard (43%) in the Santa Ynez Valley, followed with ripe tannins and a mocha/smoke finish from Musci (13%) in Alexander Valley and Petite Sirah from Lake County’s Shannon Ridge vineyards (8%).  A big boy, compared to it’s “entry-level-bretheren” at 15.2% alcohol...

 

#9910 JC Cellars Syrah “Fess Parker Vineyard” ‘04 12/750 $300.00 $25.00

“A terroirists syrah!”  This perfumed, elegant wine is chosen from Fess Parker’s best blocks (of his 38 acres of syrah) --- all from the upper mesa behind the winery, well above the valley floor.  This is also the 2nd vintage that contains fruit from the highly anticipated Camp 4 Vineyard, located to the southwest of the winery. It contains a sandy loam soil and slightly warmer climate. Jeff insists that the newer clones from this vineyard have helped to make this his best Fess Parker Syrah so far. It's showing more depth and concentration, while still showing its cooler climate characteristics.  Seductive aromas and a fine, silky texture are the signatures of these vineyards. Jeff calls this his most "Pinot Noir" like Syrah exuding red berries, blueberry, complex spice, and mineral. 17% Petite Sirah.  Aged in French oak. 14.6% alcohol.

 

#9912 JC Cellars Syrah “La Cave” 2004 12/750 $402.00 $33.50

Every year, JC Cellars makes a “La Cave Syrah”--- a wine from tiny, new and exciting Syrah vineyards where quantities are so low to make vineyard designation impossible (yet more serious than his California Cuvees). This big, full-throttle wine contains loads of extracted blueberries and black cherries with an elegant, spicy finish. A touch of oak helps to round out and complete the finish.100% Syrah, entirely from Napa Valley sites.15.1% alcohol.

 

#9914 JC Cellars Late Harvest Viognier “Ripken” ‘03 12/375 $252.00 $21.00

This lush exotic example of Viognier was harvested at 36 degrees Brix with just a hint of noble rot. The bouquet is reminiscent of ripe apricots with hints of peaches and honey. It has a long, smooth tropical aftertaste and is a perfect dessert all by itself. Residual sugar is 16.5% by weight.  Located in the historic appellation of Lodi, the Ripken Vineyard produces an ultra-ripe late harvest Viognier. The warm weather allows Jeff to achieve the Brix he wants, while the delta breezes keep it cool at night, which allows him to get plenty of "hang time".