In the heart of Napa Valley, where the landscape is a mosaic of rolling vineyards, diverse soils, and sun-kissed hills, the art of winemaking finds its highest expression. Here, red blends hold a place of honor, each bottle a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of its maker, and a tribute to the unique terroir from which it springs. Winemakers, often hailed as rock stars, mad scientists, and artists, transform the bounty of the earth into an elixir that captivates the senses and nourishes the soul.
At Jessup Cellars, our philosophy is as simple as it is profound: “the art of the blend.” This guiding principle shapes every step of our winemaking journey, from the vineyard to the cellar, into the barrel, through bottling, and finally to the tasting room. Here, we celebrate the intricate artistry and meticulous craftsmanship of our team.
The Harvest: A Celebration of Terroir
The journey begins in the vineyard, where our sustainably farmed grapes, nurtured by Napa Valley’s unique terroir, reach their peak of ripeness for each individual variety. Harvested by hand with great care, they arrive at our winery in small reusable bins, ready to embark on their transformative journey. Each cluster is meticulously hand-sorted by our team on a conveyor belt, ensuring only the finest fruit advances to the next stage. The majority of our fruit is completely destemmed, focusing on the true expression of fruit. A smaller portion is left with stems attached to the clusters for added complexity. This rigorous selection process is crucial, laying the foundation for the wine’s quality and character.
In the vineyard, the subtle interplay of sunlight, soil, and microclimate gives rise to grapes that embody the essence of their origin. Each variety, whether it be Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec, is treated with the utmost respect and care. The harvest is a culmination of a year’s worth of toil and dedication, a moment of celebration and anticipation. The sight of grape clusters hanging heavy on the vines, kissed by the early morning sun, is a testament to the meticulous farming practices that define Jessup Cellars.
Sorting and Crushing: Preserving Purity
Once the grapes are sorted, they are either placed directly into a tank, where they are gently pressed by hand to allow for the extraction of free-run juice. This juice, simply extracted from the pressure of the grapes on top pressing those at the bottom, is prized for its purity and elegance. It flows through the skins, absorbing more and more complex flavors. A second group of grapes heads directly into a basket press for a gentle squeeze to get the right amount of contact with the skins and seeds, highlighting the brightness of typical Napa Valley fruit.
Here, the winemaking team is also making artistic decisions: to pump over the juice, press down the cap, let temperatures fluctuate naturally, or closely control this process. At this stage, it is rare for different varieties to be blended; instead, they ferment individually, preserving their unique attributes. This phase is a delicate balance of science and art, where native yeasts convert sugars into alcohol, and the winemaker’s touch influences the development of flavors and aromas.
The act of sorting and crushing is where the transformation begins. It is in this stage that the grapes’ potential is first unlocked, and the foundation for the final wine is laid. The choice between free-run juice and pressed juice is a critical one, as it sets the tone for the wine’s texture and flavor profile. Free-run juice is often reserved for the most elegant and refined wines, while pressed juice, with its bolder character, adds structure and depth.
Fermentation: The Alchemy of Transformation
Fermentation is where the magic truly begins. At Jessup Cellars, this process is carefully controlled and often tailored to each variety and vintage. The grapes, now transformed into must, are placed in fermentation vessels. These can range from stainless steel tanks to traditional oak vats or even concrete eggs, each imparting different characteristics to the wine.
Natural yeast strains, indigenous to the vineyard, are often preferred in luxury winemaking like ours. These wild yeasts contribute to the complexity and uniqueness of the wine, a direct expression of its terroir. Fermentation temperatures are meticulously monitored and controlled, with cooler temperatures used for white wines to preserve delicate aromas, and warmer temperatures for reds to extract maximum color and tannins.
During fermentation, the cap of grape skins that forms on top of the liquid is managed through techniques such as punch-downs or pump-overs. This ensures even extraction of color, flavor, and tannins, creating a balanced and harmonious wine. The interplay of yeast and grape sugars is akin to an alchemical dance, transforming the must into a vibrant, aromatic wine.
The choice of fermentation vessel plays a pivotal role in the development of the wine’s character. Stainless steel tanks are often used for their precision and control, ideal for preserving the fresh, vibrant qualities of white wines and certain reds. Traditional oak vats, on the other hand, allow for a more gradual fermentation, imparting subtle nuances of flavor and texture. Concrete eggs, with their unique shape and material, provide a natural micro-oxygenation, enhancing the wine’s mouthfeel and complexity.
Aging: Crafting Elegance
Once fermentation is complete, the wine is gently pressed and transferred to aging vessels. For luxury wines, this is often a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels, carefully selected to complement and enhance the wine’s inherent qualities. The choice of cooperage – the source, age, and toast level of the barrels – plays a significant role in shaping the wine’s final profile.
Aging is a slow, patient process. Over months or even years, the wine evolves, gaining complexity and depth. The porous nature of oak allows for micro-oxygenation, softening tannins and integrating flavors. During this time, the winemaker frequently tastes and monitors the wine, making decisions about racking (transferring wine from one barrel to another to clarify it), blending, and aging duration.
The aging process is where the wine truly comes into its own. The interaction between the wine and the oak is a delicate dance, one that requires a keen understanding of both the wine and the barrels. New barrels impart stronger oak flavors, such as vanilla, spice, and toasted bread, while used barrels allow the fruit flavors to shine through more prominently. The choice of barrel, whether it be French, American, or Hungarian oak, adds another layer of complexity to the wine.
Blending: The Artistry of the Winemaker
Blending, in particular, is a crucial skill in luxury winemaking. It is the art of combining different lots, varietals, or vineyard blocks to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. The winemaker’s vision, experience, and palate guide this process, striving for balance, complexity, and harmony.
At Jessup Cellars, blending is where the winemaker’s artistry truly shines. With a palette of diverse varietals, the winemaker shapes, sculpts, and refines the wine, crafting a masterpiece that tells a story of the land, the season, and the creative vision behind it. Each blend is a unique expression of the vintage, the vineyard, and the winemaker’s philosophy.
Our Signature Series blends, such as ‘Juel,’ are a testament to this artistry. Each year, the blend varies, reflecting the nuances of the vintage and the winemaker’s creative vision. The 2019 vintage of ‘Juel,’ with its higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, offers a bold and vibrant wine that reflects the unique conditions of that year. The blend is a harmonious marriage of the rich, dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon with the softness of Merlot, the aromatic intensity of Cabernet Franc, the spiciness of Malbec, and the structure of Petit Verdot. The addition of Petite Sirah adds a final touch of complexity, enhancing the overall depth and character of the wine.
Clarification and Stabilization: Refining the Nectar
As the wine nears its final form, it undergoes clarification and stabilization. These steps ensure that the wine is clear, stable, and ready for bottling. Fining agents, such as bentonite clay or egg whites, may be used to remove any remaining suspended particles. Filtration, though often avoided or minimized in high-end winemaking to preserve the wine’s integrity, may be employed to ensure stability and prevent spoilage.
Clarification and stabilization are essential steps in the winemaking process. They ensure that the wine is not only visually appealing but also stable and consistent. The use of fining agents helps to remove any unwanted particles, while filtration ensures that the wine remains clear and bright. These steps, though technical, are carried out with the same level of care and attention to detail as every other part of the winemaking process.
Bottling: The Final Act
The final act of this creative tapestry is bottling. At Jessup Cellars, this process is conducted with the utmost care and precision. The winery uses a state-of-the-art bottling line that minimizes oxygen exposure and ensures each bottle is filled, corked, and sealed perfectly. Quality control measures are stringent, with bottles inspected and tested to guarantee consistency and excellence.
The choice of closure – whether natural cork, synthetic cork, or screw cap – is made based on the wine’s intended aging potential and the winemaker’s philosophy. Natural cork remains our current and preferred choice, offering a traditional touch and allowing for gradual aging in the bottle.
Bottling is a critical step that marks the culmination of the winemaking journey. It is here that the wine is finally encapsulated, ready to be shared with the world. Each bottle is a representation of the vineyard, the vintage, and the meticulous care that has gone into its creation. The choice of closure is an important consideration, with natural cork being the preferred option for its ability to allow the wine to age gracefully over time.
The Unveiling: A Celebration of Craftsmanship
With the wine now in the bottle, it is labeled and prepared for release. Each bottle is a work of art, adorned with our elegant, custom-designed labels that reflect our winery’s heritage and the wine’s pedigree. Before the wine reaches consumers, it rests in our winery’s cellars, allowing for further integration and development. When finally unveiled, it represents the culmination of years of dedication, passion, and expertise. It is more than just a beverage; it is a celebration of the land, the season, and the artistry of winemaking.
The unveiling of a new vintage is a moment of celebration and anticipation. It is the culmination of a journey that began in the vineyard and has taken months, if not years, to reach its final form. Each bottle is a testament to the dedication and passion of the winemaking team, a work of art that reflects the unique character of the vintage and the vineyard.
The Experience: Tasting the Symphony
At Jessup Cellars, the experience extends beyond the bottle. Visitors are treated to exclusive tastings, tours, and events that immerse them in our winery’s philosophy and craftsmanship. The Jessup Tasting Room and Gallery Tasting is designed to be intimate, immersed in art, offering stunning views of the town of Yountville. This serene yet environment full of artistic energy is the ideal place to savor the wines we have meticulously crafted.
Guided by knowledgeable staff, our guests can explore the nuances of each wine, understand its journey from grape to glass, and appreciate the meticulous care that went into its creation. This direct connection between the winemaking and the art gallery fosters a deeper appreciation of each bottle not just as a product, but a cherished memory.
The experience of tasting wine at Jessup Cellars is designed to be immersive and enriching. Each visit is an opportunity to delve into the world of winemaking, to learn about the process and the philosophy behind each bottle. The tasting room, with its art-filled ambiance and stunning views, provides the perfect setting for this exploration.
The Timeless Expression
The winemaking process at a high-end luxury winery is a timeless expression, a blend of tradition and innovation, art and science. It is a journey that begins in the vineyard and culminates in a bottle of wine that tells a story – of the land, the season, and the people who crafted it. Each step is a testament to Jessup Cellar’s commitment to excellence, a pursuit of perfection that is reflected in every glass.
As we raise our glasses to toast, we are not just savoring a drink, but celebrating the tapestry of flavors, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. In the world of luxury wine, the journey is as exquisite as the destination, a testament to the enduring allure and magic of winemaking.