In a conservative industry like wine, innovation is rarely seen in the wild. But in Sonoma County, the latest releases from J Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg are proving that some wineries are pushing the envelope.  

With their brand new Misterra Pinot Noir and Cuvee XB, the winery is making a trailblazing mark on the staid wine business. Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse crafted the Misterra with a cutting edge blend of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Pinotage grapes. Since they grow all of these varieties on their estate vineyards, this is an elegant mélange only J could make. You may have heard of Pinotage (or not, it was originally developed in South Africa), but J has two and a half acres of the grapes growing in their backyard. With the addition of the Pinotage and Pinot Meunier, this wine has brooding blueberry flavors and seductive aromatics.

Cuvee XB, a sparkling wine in the extra brut style, is leading the trend of bubblies that are less sweet with higher acidity. Crisp, refreshing and full of lime and citrus, this wine is unlike any other they’ve ever produced. Most sparkling wine houses haven’t even braved the extra brut waters. We’re glad they have.

These special, small production wines are only available online and at the winery. J Vineyards & Winery, 11447 Old Redwood Highway, Healdsburg, (707) 431-3646.