Grab a Bottle (Any Bottle) Of JaM Wine for Summer

Reviewed by Joy Neighbors

If you're looking for an affordable wine that flaunts exceptional aroma and flavor, then JaM Cellars is a great go-to.

John and Michele Truchard

John Truchard grew up in the wine business. His parents, Tony and JoAnn Truchard developed Truchard Vineyards in 1974. It was 2003 when John and his wife Michele started John Anthony Vineyards. From there, the Truchard’s, along with winemaker Rob Lloyd created JaM Cellars in 2009. They wanted to offer wine drinkers something enjoyable, and affordable, and it appears that they have succeeded. Today, Jeff Kandarian is JaM's winemaker.

The 2007 JaM Red Blend was the first release in 2009 with Butter Chardonnay hitting shelves in 2010. In 2014, JaM Cabernet Sauvignon was released, and now, non-vintage Toast Brut Sparkling is available. For this review, I tried all three.

2014 JaM Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2014 JaM Cabernet is, well, jammy. This medium bodied Cab is crafted from Napa Valley grapes, and it does not disappoint. Aromas of berry, cherry and leather lead into a flavorful explosion of cerise, blackberry, and a hint of elderberry. Although I would have liked the apple and tobacco finish to linger, this vino was a hit when served with burgers, and with venison steaks.

 

2015 JaM Butter Chardonnay

Suffice it to say, this is buttery! If you’re into rich Chards (and I am), this will be a top pick. The nose is stone fruits with hints of toasty oak. Get ready for BUTTER on the tongue with an exceptional creaminess and a long vanilla finish. JaM cold ferments the grapes with a unique blend of oak for a luscious Chardonnay. I served it with grilled chicken. Nice.

 

Non-Vintage Toast Brut Sparkle

There’s always a reason to celebrate and Toast makes it fun. It may be crafted with traditional Champenoise techniques, but there's nothing stuffy about this wine Pop the cork and inhale notes of melon, lemon and cheddar. The flavor profile includes pineapple and melon with a toasty finish. This light crisp sparkle is great for a celebration, (We toasted the New Year with it!), or for no reason at all.

Kudos to JaM Cellars! Rarely do I find all of the wines from one producer to be something I'd purchase, but your wines hit all of the marks.

Joy

JaM Cellars wines can be purchased from a variety of stores, from small wine shops to your neighborhood grocery store. The wines are available in all 50 states and Canada.

Here’s just a sampling of grocery stores carrying these wines:

Cost Plus World Market

CVS

Food Lion

Fry’s

Giant Eagle

Hy-Vee

Kroger

Publix

Safeway

Super Target,

Trader Joe’s

Whole Foods

And more