This is our finest Reserve Chardonnay and is very special. The Passione Divina JOJO is full-bodied, rich, and elegant. The grapes were harvested from an organic, dry-farmed, old-vine hillside vineyard at 1100-foot elevation in the Pinnacles Mountain Range of California. This area is well known as one of California's wine-growing regions. The grapes were fermented with only the natural indigenous yeast from the grapes. This wine also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation to enhance complexity and richness, and was gently pressed into 100% French oak barrels, 25% of which were new oak.

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Winemaker Notes by Erich Russell: JOJO Chardonnay 2023

 

With the release of the 2023 JOJO Chardonnay, I find myself reflecting on the journey of this special wine. Years ago, when I first met Jojo, her passion for Chardonnay inspired me to craft some of my finest wines from the Russian River area of Sonoma County. Those were memorable times, marked by the elegance of that region’s terroir.

 

When we relocated to Paso Robles in the mid-2000s, I planted Chardonnay at our coolest vineyard site to continue producing a wine that honored her love for the varietal. Though Paso Robles posed challenges for growing Chardonnay, I persevered, and in my final vintage there in 2021, I proudly named the wine JOJO. Determined to continue this tradition, I spent 2022 searching for the ideal vineyard to craft JOJO moving forward. After extensive experimentation with sites and winemaking techniques, I found the perfect location, leading to the creation of the 2023 JOJO Chardonnay. Sourced from a distinctive vineyard in the Gavilan Mountain range at 1,100 feet elevation, this wine is grown in limestone and gravel soils. The old, dry-farmed vines produce low yields, resulting in grapes of exceptional concentration. The cooler climate eliminates the need for artificial acidification, allowing us to ferment with native yeasts.

 

 The wine is crafted in 100% French oak barrels, with 25% new oak, and bottled unfiltered to preserve the pure, natural flavors of the fruit. Drawing inspiration from the finesse of Meursault, the 2023 JOJO Chardonnay offers a rich yet elegant profile. Having undergone full malolactic fermentation, it boasts a creamy texture and softened acidity, complemented by a vibrant balance of fruit, minerality, and oak. The limestone-rich soil imparts a distinctive chalky and flinty character, while the French oak contributes nuanced notes of vanilla, toast, and butterscotch. These elements harmonize seamlessly with the wine’s opulent fruit, creating a full-bodied Chardonnay that retains freshness and balance.  We are delighted with this new vineyard site and look forward to bottling the 2024 JOJO in December. With the 2025 vintage, currently aging in barrel and benefiting from an exceptionally cool growing season, we anticipate another remarkable expression of this wine.

 

The 2023 JOJO Chardonnay stands as a testament to our commitment to crafting a wine that is both a tribute to Jojo’s passion and a reflection of the finest winemaking traditions.