Jess Jackson the founder of Kendall-Jackson Wines passed away today (4/21/11) at the age of 81.
Mr. Jackson introduced many of us to our first taste of wine and most of us to the pleasures of California Chardonnays.
His winery’s initial success was quite by accident. While making the 1982 Chardonnay, the fermentation became stuck, which meant the yeast stopped converting sugar into alcohol, leaving the wine slightly sweet. Mr. Jackson brought in various winemakers to resolve the situation but to no avail. In a bold move Mr.Jackson decided to release the wine anyway, labeling it Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. It was a hit with consumers. ($8 to$11) Many people simply know his wine by and ask for it simply as KJ Chard.
The Kendall-Jackson company also owned Arrowood, Freemark Abbey, Murphy-Goode, Matanzas Creek, Byron, Robert Pecota and La Jota in California, and Château Lassègue in Bordeaux. It also created new brands such as Carmel Road, Verite, Anakota, Archipel and Ray’s Station.
So be you a wine snob or a wine slob, your life of drinking wine has surely been touched by this incredible man.
Jess Jackson, may your wine glass never be empty!
The Wine Slob
Wine Tasting With Friends
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