James Cole Winery

Winemaker Q&A

Ask the Winemaker
Your questions, answered!

Earlier this season, we opened the floor to our wine club members and loyal supporters to submit their most curious questions to our winemaker. Well, today we are excited to share our winemaker’s responses!

Q: At what point in the wine making process do you know that you have a wine that is exactly what you had hoped for?

A: There are a few moments in a wine's life that give you glimpses or hints at the direction it is heading to as it develops, but you sometimes don't have the final confirmation until you get to the blending table to assemble the blends before the wines get bottled. Wines are alive, so they can change a lot over the course of their lives or even once they are bottled. This has been proven to me a lot over the years when I revisit the same vintage over and over, and it is amazing how it can be super expressive and all of the elements we had set as the stylistic goal and at other times the wine can represent as shy. I am fortunate to be able to follow these wines from grape to bottle and we check on them regularly. I have been pleasantly surprised by wines that did not show super strong in our lineup right after harvest but that go on and develop into some of our favorite lots of a vintage. A mentor taught me never to judge the wines based on how they showed right after harvest and that has stuck with me.

Q: How do you choose how much to filter the wines? Do you think it is good or not good for the wines to throw noticeable sediment?

A: We make filtration choices on a wine-by-wine basis. If we think that there is too much background noise detracting from the purity of fruit or focus on a wine, coming from things like sediment or tartrates, we will filter that wine before bottling. We have still seen wines throw sediment even if they have been filtered. Some vintages tend to have more instability that will cause sedimentation to occur the longer they are aged in bottle. This can be due to a lot of reasons like the ripening conditions of a season or the amount of active management during barrel aging (racking off of gross lees, aerations, etc.). It can be challenging to enjoy a bottle that has thrown a lot of sediment if the wine has not been decanted as that hit of sediment can take you by surprise, but generally I see a small amount of sediment as a positive sign that the wine has aged and matured.

Q: Napa is, of course, rightly famous for its cabs. Occasionally, though, one encounters a cab that is too big, often high in alcohol and, frankly, overpowering in a blunt way. Perhaps this is just a bias of mine, but is that on your radar and how do you know when you're getting close to that line?

A: This is very much top of mind for us when we are making most of our decisions. One of our goals at James Cole Winery is to produce elegant wines. Finding the balance between power and elegance can be like walking a knife's edge and a challenge we relish. We put a lof of attention and hours into the blending portion of the winemaking process and we will obsess over the smallest details and changes to a wine with tweaks on the proportions of the lots we are using. Balance is always something that we strive for on our wines.

Q: I've heard some folks liken the 2021 vintage to that of 2015, which is one of my very favorite. Do you agree with this comparison? 

A: The 2021 vintage in Napa was one for the books, I do agree with the 2015 comparison. We saw drought-like conditions similar to 2015. Although we had a larger crop in 2021, compared to 2015, there was still a lot of depth and concentration to those wines. I am really looking forward to seeing how the 2021 vintage ages.

Q: Will there be a new Jaden coming some year soon?

A: Currently we do not have any plans to bringing back the Jaden as the source of these grapes changed hands making it a lot more complicated though I won't say it is completely off the table.

Q: How did you manage to create delicious red wines in the 2020 vintage when many Napa wineries passed on even trying due to the wildfires during August and September?

A: We were fortunate to have locations in the Valley with limited exposure to smoke. With other fire events happening around the state in other vintages we were able to take lessons of techniques for extraction, time on the skins, destemming, etc. that we were able to apply and one of these that proved very beneficial was the ancient Italian method of ripasso.

Q: To what extent does forecasted weather play in your decisions as to your care of the vines? Do you look 3-4 months out or more at macrotrends and then make decisions on fertilization/watering/pruning/harvest, or are these shorter-term decisions based on more immediate or recent conditions?

A: Winemakers obsess over weather, especially the closer we get to making that harvest call. We also watch bigger macro trends, there have been some great longer term models that we look at in the Springtime. While the precision on these models might not be great it can be good to establish a baseline for a given vintage. We also rely heavily on our past experience in Napa, and we know how much things can shift from a cooler season to an early one due to a hot summer. If it is shaping up to be a cooler season it means we need to be careful with the crop load to make sure we have ample time to ripen the fruit. If it is a warmer season we know there will be more sunhsine to ripen a larger crop. We also have different concerns during different stages of the vine's development. During the flowering stage we are concerned with having as little wind as possible, no heat waves, no rain, anything that will diminish or knock down the flowers on the vine and decrease the amount of fruit that sets. Our fertilization and watering are done on a more short term forecast, and we can also send some of the plant material in for testing to establish vine health. The closer we get to harvest the more we are worried about excessive heat or rain. We start trying to gauge the pace of ripening to make the best timing decision we can and get the most out of our vineyard blocks. The only insurance we can get is a federal crop insuarnce program. This helps us to get protection against adverse weather conditions that can negatively impact the amount or quality of fruit we harvest, though the parameters and instances where this can be claimed are very well defined and strict.

Q: Do you find it more difficult or Challenging to make a white wine or red wine

A: I find white and rosé wines more challenging to make. There are less steps in the process whereas red wine production is a lot more hands on and you can push things in different directions and influence the direction a wine is heading into.

Q: At what age did you realize winemaking was in your blood?

A: I was very fortunate to realize I wanted to be a winemaker at the age of 15.

Q: What was your very first wine you bottled?

A: The very first wine I bottled happened during my first year at College , we were given Chenin blanc grape juice that was frozen during harvest and then thawed for us to do our first fermentation management on (this class happened 6 months after the end of the harvest season in South Africa), as well as other winemaking tehcniques and trials, and then bottle and present them for tasting. I still have a bottle of this trial in my wine fridge.

Q: What's your absolute favorite of the JC wines?

A: This is a super tough question for me as I love all of the JC wines dearly and it all depends on my mood which one I reach for. A special one for me is Privado as I remember being there for the very first vintage when we were sitting around the blending table and this wine just jumped out of the glass. I love Cabernet Franc so playing around with it every year for this wine is really cool.

Q: I just joined James Cole and purchased a magnum of your 2019 Suede Cab. Do I need to decant this bottle?

A: Thank you for joining! I would gently decant his wine, since it only has 3 years of bottle age. This wine will age for 15 years or more but if you want to enjoy it now then the gentle decant will allow you to see the development of the wine over time.

Q: What unexpected pairing is your favorite?

A: I think our rosé has lots of depth and character and recently had it paired with a merguez sausage off the grill and the pairing was so good!

Q: What is your favorite James Cole vintage to open and enjoy at current?

A: I love revisiting the 2013 vintage, it was my second full season at the property and I think the wines are aging really well!

Q: Bertus! What part of the James Cole property is your favorite plot to make wine from?

A: Another tough question… There is a really special spot in Block 3 which is Clone 7 Cabernet, it is one of the main sources of the original Mud's Kitchen and a section that is a little more rocky leading to beautiful bold tannins.

We hope you've enjoyed our Winemaker Q&A! If you have any more questions and would like to connect with our team, send us an email at contact@jamescolewinery.com. 

Jul 12, 2024 at 1:08 AM Permalink

Sleeping Beauties: Unlocking the Potential of James Cole Wines through Long-Term Aging

Sleeping Beauties: Unlocking the Potential of James Cole Wines through Long-Term Aging

For our wine club members and seasoned collectors of James Cole, our wines are more than just a beverage. They're a silent promise – a treasure waiting to reveal their hidden depths with each passing year. Each bottle, crafted with meticulous care and sourced from our Estate and Napa's most coveted vineyards, possesses aging potential that far surpasses drinkability. They are quite literally sleeping beauties; wines meant to slumber through the years, evolving in to transcendent experiences far richer than their youthful forms.

Like any slumber, aging requires the right kind of dreamland. Whether storing in a high-tech wine fridge or a built-in cellar, a carefullly maintained environment of 55°F and 65% humidity is the perfect sanctuary for your liquid jewels, lovingly blanketed in a cradle of darkness until they're ready to be awoken from their rest. 

However, not all wines are created equal when it comes to aging gracefully. Some, like a swiftly written poem, are meant to be enjoyed in the flush of inspiration. Our dazzling Rosé, with its whispers of summer berries and vibrant acidity, begs to be uncorked under a cloudless sky. Similarly, our crisp Chardonnay, its palate a symphony of orchard fruits, hazelnuts and honey shines brightest in the moment.

But others, like a timeless masterpiece, possess the ingherent structure and complexity to weather the years, emerging transformed. At James Cole, bottlings such as Umbral, Mud's Kitchen and Suede are ideal for long-term aging, ready to evolve and delight you with their exquisite metmorphosis.

2020 MUD'S KITCHEN CABERNET SAUVIGNON

This Napa titan is an enticing dance of sweet, decadent fruit. An enthralling mix of raspberry coulis and black currant jam weaves a playful core, brightened by bursts of pomegranate, cardamom, and delicate espresso/dark chocolate coffee beans. Plush tannins, graced with a dark mineral undertone, offer both structure and depth. Silky textures guide each sip, ensuring an experience of finesse and elegance that leaves a long, balanced finish and a lasting memory.

2020 UMBRAL RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Exuding sophistication, this wine entices with notes of ripe strawberries, succulent black cherries, and tangy rhubarb velvet crumb cake. Subtle tones of vanilla and cinnamon weave a tapestry of gracefulness, while delicate hints of cocoa nibs add depth and allure. Each sip is a journey through layers of flavor, culminating in a velvety harmony that lingers long after, like a fond memory.

2018 SUEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
SOLD OUT - 2019 vintage coming soon!

Appropriately named for its heightened texture, structure, and mouthfeel, our 2018 Suede was a masterclass in Napa seduction. Profoundly beautiful aromas of deep black raspberries, cassis, cocoa powder, and violets led to a full-bodied and juicy palate. Layers of spicy black licorice and blackberry jam characters swirled with the wine's signature silky velvety tannins, relished in a glass like luxurious suede textures. Sadly, this vintage is now a prized possession in collectors' cellars, but stay tuned for the highly anticipated arrival of the 2019 vintage.

So, dear wine enthusiasts, as your collection sleeps, remember it's not simply bottles gathering dust. Within those silent vessles, time is weaving its magic, transforming fleeting flavors into whispered tales of terroir and vintage. Indulge in the patient pleasure of long-term aging – allow our James Cole wines to rest and witness the glorious awakening when the years have sculpted them into masterpieces.

Each bottle, whether destined for a years-long slumber or a sun-drenched afternoon, speaks to the artistry and terroir that defines James Cole. So embrace the magic of both fleeting revelry and patient aging, and unlock the full potential of Napa Valley within your glass.

Shop All Wines

Jan 8, 2024 at 8:00 AM Permalink

The Making of Suede

The Making of Suede: A James Cole Winery Flagship Cabernet Sauvignon

James Cole Winery is proud to introduce you to our 2018 Suede Cabernet Sauvignon, our most selective and exclusive offering. Suede is the vision of our talented winemaker, Bertus van Zyl, who has spent years studying the unique flavor profiles of each vine in our vineyards. This passion for vineyard diversity and optimal ripeness has led to the creation of a wine with exceptional texture, structure, and mouthfeel.

Winemaking Process

To achieve Suede's signature velvety tannins and luxurious mouthfeel, Bertus uses a variety of maceration techniques, cooperages, and aging lengths. The wine is aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels from top barrel producers, resulting in an extended range of flavors and aromas.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Suede is a remarkable vintage. It opens with aromas of deep black raspberries, cassis, cocoa powder, and violets. On the palate, it is full-bodied and juicy, with layers of spicy black licorice and blackberry jam flavors. The wine is highlighted by its silky velvety tannins, which give it a luxurious mouthfeel.

Production and Availability

Suede is a rare and noteworthy wine, with a production of just 125 cases (and 60 magnums). It is a flagship Cabernet Sauvignon that dazzles the senses and leaves a lasting impression. With fewer than 40 cases remaining, the 2018 Suede represents the ultimate expression in James Cole winemaking.

A Conversation with Winemaker Bertus van Zyl

To learn more about the making of Suede, we spoke with winemaker Bertus van Zyl.

What inspired you to create Suede?

I was inspired by the desire to create a wine that truly showcased the unique terroir of our Napa Valley vineyards. I wanted to create a wine with exceptional texture, structure, and mouthfeel, and I believe that Suede achieves this goal.

What are some of the challenges of making Suede?

One of the challenges of making Suede is that it is a very selective wine. We only use the best grapes from our vineyards, and we produce a very small quantity of wine each year. Another challenge is finding the right balance of maceration techniques, cooperages, and aging lengths. We want to create a wine that is both powerful and elegant, and it takes a lot of trial and error to find the right balance.

What makes Suede so special?

Suede is a special wine because it is a true expression of our terroir and our winemaking philosophy. We use the best grapes from our vineyards, and we take great care in crafting each and every bottle. Suede is a wine that is meant to be enjoyed and savored.

What do you hope people experience when they taste Suede?

I hope that people who taste Suede will experience the unique terroir of our Napa Valley vineyards. I also hope that they will appreciate the exceptional texture, structure, and mouthfeel of the wine. Suede is a wine that is meant to be enjoyed and savored, and I hope that it will leave a lasting impression on everyone who tastes it.

Watch the full conversation with James and Bertus here:

Oct 30, 2023 at 10:15 AM Permalink

Elevate Your Summer: Create Memorable Moments with James Cole Wiery

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and elevate your outdoor experiences with the exquisite wines of James Cole Winery. As the warm summer sun graces us, we invite you to embark on a delightful adventure – bringing the elegance of James Cole wines to your own enchanting al fresco gathering. Join us as we guide you through the essentials of creating a memorable wine-filled experience, no matter where you are.

Unveil the Perfect Setting

Discover the ideal location for your idyllic al fresco gathering. Whether it's a cozy spot in a nearby park, a picturesque beach, or a tranquil garden, let your surroundings complement the beauty of James Cole wines. Nature's embrace will provide the perfect backdrop for your extraordinary gathering.

Craft Your Culinary Delights

Curate a delectable spread that harmonizes flawlessly with our wines. From artisanal cheeses to succulent charcuterie, from fresh farmers' market finds to decadent desserts, let your taste buds dance with delight. Take a moment to consider flavors that will accentuate the nuances of James Cole wines and elevate your gathering to new heights. When gathering with friends, we love to build our spread using the 'Rule of 3's' meaning 3 cheeses, 3 meats, 3 starches and 3 accompaniments:

Our favorite cheeses
Chevre
Aged Gouda
Havarti
Sharp Cheddar

Our favorite cured meats
Genoa Salami
Prosciutto
Country Pate
Duck Rillette

Our favorite starches
Bread
Water Crackers
Breadsticks
Nuts

Our Favorite Accompaniments
Olives
Hummus
Jam
Honey
Chocolate

Select the Perfect Wine Pairings

Enhance your al fresco experience by selecting the finest wines from James Cole Winery. Visit our warm and inviting tasting room, or explore our online store, where our exceptional collection awaits. Discover our renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and captivating red wine blends like IL Mostro, Marls and Tyson. Complete your selection with our refreshing Chardonnay and elegant Rosé. Each sip will transport you to the heart of Napa Valley.

As a special offer, stock up on our Taste of Summer 4-Pack, which includes one bottles each of '22 Rosé, '21 Chardonnay, '20 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and '20 IL Mostro Red Wine for 15% off!

Embrace the Outdoor Experience

Settle into the serenity of your chosen setting and allow the magic to unfold. Set a comfortable space, arrange your culinary delights, and uncork a bottle of James Cole wine with anticipation. As you sip and savor, let the flavors mingle with the ambiance, creating an unforgettable symphony for your senses.

Cherish the Moment

Engage in lively conversations and create lasting memories as you share the joys of wine and the company of loved ones. Let the spirit of James and Colleen, our visionary founders, infuse your gathering with a sense of warmth and connection. With every glass raised, you become part of their dream-come-true.

Extend the Pleasure

After your gathering, continue to explore the world of James Cole wines. Visit our tasting room or online store to discover additional vintages, limited editions, and exclusive offerings. Each bottle holds the essence of our Napa Valley heritage and the passion of our winemaking craft.

At James Cole Winery, we strive to make every moment extraordinary. As you embark on your own wine-filled al fresco gathering, let our wines be your trusted companion, elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary. Purchase James Cole wines from our tasting room or online store, and let the enchantment of Napa Valley unfold at your chosen setting. Enter as wine enthusiasts and leave as ambassadors of James Cole Winery, carrying with you the spirit of excellence and the memories of exceptional moments shared.

Jul 18, 2023 at 10:17 AM Permalink

Alice in Wonderland 2023

Last month, we stepped into a whimsical wonderland at James Cole Winery! 🎩🌹 From mad hatters to Cheshire grins, our Alice in Wonderland party was an enchanting adventure. 🐇🍷 We sipped on magic potions, danced with the Queen of Hearts, and fell down the rabbit hole of pure fun. 🌈🍾 Thank you all for joining us on this extraordinary journey! Until we meet again in Wonderland... ✨🌼

Jun 2, 2023 at 9:59 AM Permalink

Lucy the Winery Truck

Lucy the Truck

We would love to introduce you to our gal Lucy. Lucy is our 1945 vintage Chevrolet truck; once a hardworking harvest truck, Lucy has become a symbol of simpler times and a testament to the early days of James Cole Winery.

Lucy was first spotted being driven through the valley with a “For Sale” sign in the rear window, and, having just moved to Napa to begin their new winery venture, James and Colleen just knew that she had to be theirs. Unfortunately after a few closely watched miles, they lost sight of her and the owner and accepted that maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

However, a mere few months later, fate played its mysterious part when James and Colleen spotted her being driven by the same gentlemen yet again. This time, they knew they had to commit and followed her all the way to the owner’s driveway! After hearing a little history of the truck and it’s role as a great companion for the the owner and his family, James and Colleen bought Lucy right there on the spot.

Lucy got her name affectionately from her few shortcomings: her brakes, transmission were a little “loosey-goosey”, however, she was still a reliable workhorse, stepping up for dump and Home Depot runs and hauling supplies to and fro.

Lucy has finally earned her retirement and sits on property as a monument to the early days of James Cole winery. She is a reminder of all the hard work and dedication it took to build our winery; a simpler time when life was all about chasing dreams.

We are proud to have Lucy as part of our history. Come on by the James Cole Tasting Room and see her in person soon.

May 22, 2023 at 9:00 AM Permalink

Cellar Chats with James and Bertus

Cellar Chats with James and Bertus

Tune in for a special video featuring our winemaker, Bertus van Zyl, and owner, James Harder, as they discuss our new 2021 Pinot Noir sourced from the Sun Chase Vineyard in Sonoma County.

Located where the Petaluma Wind Gap meets Sonoma Mountain, the 40-acre Sun Chase Vineyard is sustainably farmed and perched at a 1,200 to 1,400 feet elevation on a southwestern-facing hillside above the fog line. The result is a Pinot Noir that truly showcases the best of Sonoma County.

With an aromatic bouquet of fresh dark berry preserves, potpourri, and pomegranate that builds as the wine opens up, this Pinot Noir is a complex offering that delivers outstanding depth, power, and finesse. On the palate, dark cherries and wild strawberries combine with minerals and a hint of Asian spice to create a velvety texture that is seamless with bright, crisp, mouthwatering acidity, elegance, and sensuality.

Don't miss out on this charmer and experience the excellence of our most complex Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir to date. Order now and taste the difference of James Cole Winery's Sun Chase Vineyard Pinot Noir.

Apr 18, 2023 at 1:35 PM Permalink

March Vineyard Update

March Vineyard Update

The long wait is over, and our winemaker Bertus expects bud-break in the next two or three weeks. While we patiently wait for the growing season to officially kick-off. We wanted to update you on what we have going on in the vineyard this spring.
 

As you might know, Napa Valley is renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines. Our region's unique terroir, climate, and soil provide ideal conditions for growing premium wine grapes. However, managing vineyards in Napa Valley is not without its challenges. To maintain the quality of the soil, control weeds, and promote biodiversity, we have turned to something called "cover crops" to plant amongst the vines.
 

The benefits of planting cover crops are numerous. For one, they help control soil erosion by reducing water runoff and increasing soil infiltration, which has been a blessing during these last few uncommonly rainy months. Cover crops also improve soil health by adding organic matter, fixing nitrogen, and improving soil structure. Additionally, they can suppress weeds, which reduces the need for herbicides and lowers production costs. Cover crops can also provide a habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife, which helps to promote biodiversity in the vineyard ecosystem. 
 

For this year, we planted every other row with a variety of beneficial cover crop, made from this seed mix:

35% Forerunner Triticale
10% Cayuse Oats
12.5% Dundale Peas (flowering)
12.5 % Magnus peas (flowering)
5% Lana Vetch (flowering)
5% Purple Vetch (flowering)
3% Crimson Clover (flowering)
15% Brassica Blend (Mustards, Radishes) (flowering)

Forerunner Triticale is a hybrid grain that provides excellent ground cover and suppresses weeds. Brassica Blend, which includes a variety of brassica plants like mustard and radish, helps to break up soil compaction and improves soil health. Dundale Peas and Magnus peas are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, which can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Overall, this mix of cover crops helps to promote soil health, reduce erosion, and promote biodiversity in the vineyard ecosystem, all while maintaining the quality of our grapes. It also makes our James Cole estate vineyard look beautiful during these early spring months.
 

Make sure to check back in a couple of weeks as we get ready to kick off the 2023 growing season.

Mar 30, 2023 at 12:00 AM Permalink

Q&A with James!

James Cole ❤️'s The Rolling Stones

It’s no secret we love The Rolling Stones, but have you ever heard the story of how we got our hands on an electric guitar signed by the band? 🎸

This month, we sat down with James to talk about his love for The Rolling Stones, how it's shaped James Cole Winery and more. Watch the full interview below!

Feb 27, 2023 at 1:00 AM Permalink

Winter in the Vineyard

Harvest season often receives most of the glory, but we like to think that the winter season is one of the most beautiful and exciting times to visit Napa Valley and learn about our vineyards. Gone are the bustling crowds and long waitlists to taste at your favorite Napa winery. Instead, you'll find a serene environment perfect for an in-depth experience to learn about wine from how our grapes go from vine to bottle.

"The work in the vineyard doesn't end at harvest."

There is something hauntingly beautiful about grapevines in dormancy. The lush, leafy canopies of summertime have retreated, and we're left with dark and twisted trunks and bare canes, soaked from the season's rains. The vines offer a stark contrast to the vibrant greens and yellows from the cover crop growing between the rows. While it's true that the vine's growth above ground comes to a halt during the winter months, its root systems are busy soaking up nutrients, preparing for bud break in the spring.

The work in the vineyard doesn't end at harvest. In fact, winter pruning helps lay the groundwork for the upcoming growing season, determining how many buds will develop, and ultimately how many grape bunches the vine will yield. We'll begin this crucial step near the end of the month, trimming each cane down to the spur where this spring a new bud will form.

"they also help control pests, increase biodiversity and help with soil erosion."

Some of the most vital work in the vineyard is not what's happening on the vines, but rather, what's growing between the vines. Planted amongst the rows of vines on the James Cole estate are two kinds of peas, two kinds of vetch, crimson clover and marigold. The rest of the blend is oats and triticale, which is a barley/ryegrass hybrid. While these cover crops offer strikingly beautiful views as they bloom, they also have an incredibly important job to do.

Not only do these cover crops improve soil health by introducing nitrogen, but they also help control pests, increase biodiversity and help with soil erosion. California receives little to no rain for much of the year, and without the established root systems of our cover crops, the heavy winter rains could wash much of the topsoil away, resulting in compacted earth with little life. With the help of our cover crops, we're able to retain the rain we receive each year in our soils and limit the amount of watering needed later in the season.

"exclusive wine offerings in the friendly, casual atmosphere of our tasting room"

Want to experience the magic of the season? Book a tasting today at James Cole and experience a tasting of exclusive wine offerings in the friendly, casual atmosphere of our tasting room and outdoor property. You'll learn about our Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and the inspiration behind our bold red wines such as Il Mostro, Aliento and Mud's Kitchen Cabernet.

Book a Tasting

Jan 18, 2023 at 12:00 AM Permalink