Stonestreet Estate Vineyards is the story of a family's vision to defy the limits of California winegrowing. Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke established the estate in 1995, and their son Christopher Jackson and his wife Ariel continue the legacy -- and the middle name "Stonestreet" has now been passed from father to son for three generations. Stonestreet is one of the most expansive and multi-faceted mountain vineyards in the world and produces a distinctive collection of single vineyard wines -- powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, soulful Chardonnay and electric Sauvignon Blanc.
The Jackson family acts as stewards of the land, caring for this 5,500 acre mountain estate that towers high above the Alexander Valley in the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Ranging 400ft to 2,400ft in elevation, the estate showcases a dramatic array of mesoclimates on peaks, valleys and ledges. The geological diversity of the mountain, which contains more soil types than all of France, confers a strong mineral characteristic in the fruit, while the challenges of farming at elevation produce smaller, more concentrated berry clusters.
Winemaker Lisa Valtenbergs uses artisanal winemaking practices -- fruit is harvested by hand, Chardonnays undergo native yeast fermentation and Cabernets are fermented in upright French oak tanks to tame tannins -- that ensure the best expression of mountain terroir. The resulting wine is dynamic and intensely flavorful with bold structural integrity and the distinctive flavor profile of the Mayacamas Mountain Range's Black Mountain.
Knowing that it would take more than one generation to understand the complexity of the estate, Jess Jackson notably stated, "Stonestreet has the destiny to be one of the greatest vineyard sites of all time." As the second generation, Christopher and Ariel are building upon that legacy, pushing it forward with an ever-deepening understanding of this awe-inspiring estate.
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California » Alexander Valley
Vinous Media 93 The 2016 Chardonnay Estate is a terrific introduction to the Stonestreet Chardonnays. Citrus, apricot, mint and a dash of new oak add nuance
Jeb Dunnuck 91 Aged 19 months in one-third new French oak, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a terrific, classic, slightly old-school effort. Blackcurrants, black cherries,
Wine Advocate 97 "One of my favorites is the 2012 Chardonnay Upper Barn, which boasts remarkable intensity as well as lots of tropical fruit, a stony-like
"This Cabernet conveys vivid aromas and flavors of black cherry, satsuma plum and blood orange with bay leaf, fresh tobacco and cocoa nib adding further
Wine Enthusiast 94 “This wine is a blend from several of the producer's higher-elevation estate vineyards in the appellation. Floral and inviting in sugar apple, caramel
"In 2007, Fifth Ridge is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 2007 Fifth Ridge is a classic representation
Wine Enthusiast 93 "Dark in color and full-bodied, this bone dry Cabernet is tannic and hard, despite having concentrated flavors of blackberry jam and black currant.
Wine Spectator 88 Excellent structure. Taut plum, cedar and black cherry and firm, chewy tannins are all tightly wound, with a dry cedar and leather aftertaste.
Wine Enthusiast 96 "A dramatic wine, authoritative in tannins, bone dry and noble. Withholds its best under a cloak of astringency, but already shows its mountain
Wine Enthusiast 97 Cellar Selection "Pretty much as good as any Cabernet out there, if not better, and at a fraction of the price you’ll pay for
Wine Enthusiast 96 "Grown in a portion of the winery’s considerable holdings in the high Mayacamas range, this Cabernet is ridiculously rich and flamboyant in black
Wine Enthusiast 93 "Cellar Selection" "A lovely Cabernet, ripe and delicious, yet complex enough to hold your interest. It’s just beginning its journey in the bottle. Very
Wine Advocate 92 "The 2011 Chardonnay Upper Barn comes across deep, rich and implosive. A wine of considerable energy and sheer power, the 2011 boasts serious
Wine Advocate 94 "From the lowest elevation (1,000 feet) vineyard, the 2012 Chardonnay Bear Point reveals lots of orange and apricot marmalade, pineapple and honeysuckle notes
Robert Parker 92-94 "The 2013 Chardonnay Estate Vineyards reveals lots of tropical fruit, especially tangerine oil." Vinous 92 "Stonestreet's 2013 Estate Chardonnay is fabulous. Apricot pit, butter, spices,
Wine Enthusiast 93 "This wine is quite an accomplishment in flavor and complexity given the vintage and the price. From high-altitude vineyards atop the Mayacamas, it
Antonio Galloni 91 "The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a gorgeous, entry-level wine for the estate. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, spice and gravel
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