
The Chateau Font du Jeu Estate
This current owners Helene and Frederic Lapeyronie represent the fourth generation of winemakers in the family. Frederic is the vineyard manager, Helene is the winemaker. She also teaches viticulture and enology in Saint Emilion.
The Chateau Font du Jeu Vineyard
The estate, which belonged to Frederic's family, is located on a 2.5 hectare vineyard (6.2 acres) in Côtes de Castillon AOC, on a slope situated at 86 meters above sea level, with southern sun exposure.
The soil is a mix of clay and limestone. The average age of the vines is 40 years old. The vineyard is planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
They also have 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) in Côtes de Francs AOC, on a slope situated at 77 meters above sea level. The soil is a mix of clay and limestone. The average age of the vines is 35 years old.
The vineyard is farmed using culture raisonée method, guyot double, disbudding, thinning out of the leaves, and fertilization. Manual harvest. Only the best grapes are selected. Production: 2,200 cases.
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When the founding fathers of the Napa Valley carved out new sub-AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in the 1980s, Soda Canyon Ranch was not yet on anyone’s map. The vineyard is neighbored to the northwest and west by the winegrowing districts of Stags Leap District and Oak Knoll District, respectively, which were among the early pioneers of California Cabernet Sauvignon to attain global fame. To the northeast and southeast—and further off the beaten path—were Atlas Peak and Coombsville, thought to be the next frontiers for the emerging wine-producing region.
This opulent wine has a broad and balanced mid-palate, notes of vanilla and blueberry, a dried floral character and chalky tannins. Anise and cherry lift the palate to a beautiful, lingering finish. In both aromatics and palate, this is an elegant vintage worthy of cellaring for years to come.
The winter of 2019 was marked by cold, foggy days in Napa Valley. Well-drained soils of Soda Canyon Ranch and steady, purposeful farming decisions mitigated the rainy and wet conditions as they persisted into spring. After months of ever-shifting weather, the vines were greeted by a consistent, warm and dry summer plus a mild harvest season, resulting in bright and ethereal fruit. Once blended, the 2019 vintage rested in French oak barrels for 16 months.
Jonive Chardonnay Russian River Valley is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Jonive’s Moon Dust Vineyard is planted to a range of clones, imparting unique characteristics and quality to the wines. 100% estate-owned vineyard planted in 1998 and 2007. Goldridge (Moon Dust) soil over clay loam. Eastern/Southern Exposure.
The wine has a typical light straw color and complex aromas of lemongrass, nutmeg, Meyer lemon, fresh oregano, and a touch of passionfruit. This Chardonnay has an enveloping mouthfeel that is at once crisp and linear as well as rich and expansive, a very unusual and beguiling combination of textures and mouthfeel. The browning of clone 17 enables the wine to be rich, but at a lower alcohol, and clone 95 contributes beautifully fresh acidity. The palate shows jasmine, honeydew melon, tarragon, lime, and lemongrass with a nice kiss of high-quality French oak. The extended lees contact gives the wine amazing length, energy, and vitality.
353 cases produced
14-month barrel aging in 67% new French oak barrels, 20% once used and 13% neutral
61% clone 17/Robert Young and 39% clone 95
13.3% alcohol
Reviews:
"This unfiltered Chardonnay explodes from the glass with brilliant aromas of fresh lime peel, orange blossom, chalk and green pear. The palate displays all of that aciddriven freshness, with flavors of juicy tangerine and flowers leading to a finish with echoes of salty lime zest."
— Tom R. Capo, 2025 Wine Enthusiast 95 Points