In the News
In the News
August 17, 2011
TWO JEFF GORDON COLLECTION WINES NOW IN PENNSYLVANIA STATE STORES!
We are so excited to let all of you wine lovers in PA know that our 2008 Carneros Chardonnay and 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir are now being carried in over 40 Pennsylvania Premium Collection stores!
Click below for more information on these outstanding wines.
Jeff Gordon 2008 Carneros Chardonnay (92 points- Wine Enthusiast, Silver- 2011 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, Bronze- 2011 Dallas Morning News & TexSom Competition)
Jeff Gordon 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (89 points- Wine Enthusiast, Silver- 2011 Indy International Wine Competition, Silver- 2011 Los Angeles International Wine Competition)
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF PA STORES
August 16, 2011
Press Release
JEFF GORDON COLLECTION WINES NAMED FOR DAUGHTER ELLA SOFIA
GARNER AWARDS IN SUMMER WINE COMPETITIONS
Calistoga, Calif. (August 16, 2011) — One year ago, Jeff Gordon released the first two of four 2007 vintage wines that were extra special to him and his wife, Ingrid. The 2007 Carneros Chardonnay and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir were named after their daughter, Ella Sofia, who was born that year.
Wine lovers and Gordon fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of the remaining two varietals in the Ella Sofia collection, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Gordon’s personal favorite, “Joie de Vivre,” a red blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.
Upon their release to the wine club in September and the public in October, they will display medals from two highly-acclaimed wine competitions. The 2007 Ella Sofia Joie de Vivre has been awarded a prestigious Double Gold at the Indy International Wine Competition and Silver at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon carrying her namesake also took Silver in San Francisco. In addition, the 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was awarded Silver in Indy, respectively.
The Double Gold medal is the second of the year for Jeff Gordon Cellars, with the 2007 Ella Sofia Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir being awarded the same honor at the 2011 Hilton Head International Wine Competition in March.
The Jeff Gordon Collection of wines is currently available to ship to over 35 states at www.JeffGordonWine.com. The 2007 Ella Sofia Cabernet Sauvignon and Joie de Vivre are being released to the public on the website October 10, along with a special 4-bottle limited edition commemorative boxed set.
-About Jeff Gordon Collection Wine-
Jeff Gordon Collection Wine is produced by Jeff Gordon Cellars, LLC in Calistoga, California by winemaker August “Joe” Briggs, one of the nation’s foremost makers of quality, refined wines. Limited in production to highlight quality and character, the collection is designed to be enjoyed by those who treasure life’s exceptional pleasures. Jeff Gordon Collection Wine can be purchased at www.JeffGordonWine.com.
-About The Indy International Wine Competition-
The INDY is the largest scientifically organized and independent wine competition in the United States, the world's largest wine market. Nearly 3,000 entries from 15 countries and 40 US states are be evaluated by 52 distinguished judges. Wine writers and winemakers, winegrowers and enologists, chefs and sommeliers, wine distributors, retailers and consumers meet every year in the heart of America for this prestigious competition.
-About The San Francisco International Wine Competition-
The San Francisco International Wine Competition, the largest, most influential international wine competition in America, is judged by a prestigious panel of nationally recognized wine experts. Judging is based on a blind, consensual procedure, ensuring competitive integrity as it remains the nation's most respected wine competition.
June 8, 2011
Press Release
TRIPLE SILVER FOR JEFF GORDON CELLARS
AT THE LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION
Calistoga, Calif. (June 8, 2011) — Among the many strong contenders at the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, the Jeff Gordon Collection stood up to fellow contestants in the new category of “Wine World of Sports & Entertainment” by scoring Silver Medals for three wines. NASCAR star and 4-Time Cup Series Champion Jeff Gordon has been awarded for his 2008 Carneros Chardonnay, 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and 2006 Napa Valley Joie de Vivre alongside some other sports greats turned vintners who also claimed medals, including Fred Couples, Annika Sörenstam, Tommy Lasorda and Rick Mirer. Despite the fact that there was no ceremony in which the medals were awarded with the vintners present, there is little doubt that there was some great competition among the many racing, golf, baseball, football, music and movie entrants in this category.
Judged in May, many varietals and price ranges were represented, with a new point system introduced, acknowledging each varietal's special attributes and providing a new level of precision in the competition's wine ranking systems, a benefit for the competition and wine enthusiasts. Nearly 3,200 wines were entered into the overall competition and were tasted by a 64-member panel comprised of international judges.
The Jeff Gordon Collection 2008 Carneros Chardonnay and 2006 Napa Valley Joie de Vivre are currently available to ship to over 30 states at www.JeffGordonWine.com. The 2008 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is being released to the public on the website July 6.
-About Jeff Gordon Collection Wine-
Jeff Gordon Collection Wine is produced by Jeff Gordon Cellars, LLC in Calistoga, California by winemaker August “Joe” Briggs, one of the nation’s foremost makers of quality, refined wines. Limited in production to highlight quality and character, the collection is designed to be enjoyed by those who treasure life’s exceptional pleasures. Jeff Gordon Collection Wine can be purchased at www.JeffGordonWine.com.
-About The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition-
Seven decades of tradition began shortly after the end of prohibition, when the annual L.A. County Fair began awarding medals to the finest wines in California. The competition achieved world-class status, attracting wines from North and South America and finally in 2002, opening the doors to wine entries from around the world. Today, the event includes spirits and extra virgin olive oils. The judging panel has grown to nearly 100 judges from all parts of the globe.
The competition also is the foundation for an extensive wine education program that’s available to 1.4 million visitors to the L.A. County Fair. Public wine tasting began in 1968; in 1998 a wine education center opened, complete with consumer-driven classes, tastings and a display of the award-winning wines. The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition is committed to educating the public about wine, featuring industry experts with extensive knowledge about wine growing and selection, wine tasting and wine and food pairings.
May 26, 2011
VIRTUAL TASTING ALERT- 2008 Chardonnay
We are so excited to be hosting our first ever virtual tasting and we hope to “see” you June 15th on Twitter and www.twitter.com/jeffgordonwine.
Order Jeff Gordon 2008 Carneros Chardonnay for a limited time and join us for a fun-filled evening on the Web!
What: Virtual Tasting of Jeff Gordon 2008 Carneros Chardonnay
When: “Wine Wednesday” June 15, 2011 beginning at 7:00pm EDT (key word- beginning…you can taste and give feedback at your leisure!)
Where: The Twitterverse
Who: You, JG Cellars Director of Sales Chrisy Gallagher and other Chardonnay lovers across the U.S.
How:
• Get your '08 JG chard and make sure it’s chilled nicely.
• Conduct your own wine tasting at home on the 15th…invite family and friends!
• Post comments and questions about the wine to Twitter and be sure to use the hashtag #JGchard (this makes the subject searchable so we can all communicate with each other.)
• Have fun!!
May 25, 2011
Press Release
JEFF GORDON COLLECTION 2006 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON AWARDED THIRD SILVER MEDAL
Calistoga, Calif. (May 25, 2011) —The Jeff Gordon 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded a prestigious Silver Medal at the 2011 New York International Wine Competition. The NYIWC welcomed 726 submissions from 17 countries and 14 states within the U.S. and in turn, awarded 2 Gold, 30 Silver and 119 Bronze Medals to only the truly standout wines.
This vintage of Gordon Cabernet is a blend of two very special mountain vineyards on opposite sides of the Napa Valley: the first is on the rocky, volcanic soils of Atlas Peak and the second is on a rocky hillside just north of the town of St. Helena in the Spring Mountain appellation.
The wine is thick and juicy on the palate with intense flavors of ripe raspberry, chocolate, and cassis. With all its upfront fruit, which is typical for the 2006 vintage, it can be enjoyed now, however, if cellared the wine will continue to improve for over the next several years.
To order the new 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and other available varietals of Jeff Gordon Collection wine, please visit www.JeffGordonWine.com.
-About The New York International Wine Competition-
The New York International Wine Competition was founded by Adam Levy, aka the “Alcohol Professor”. Following the success of the New York International Spirits Competition, Levy was approached by the wine community to operate a similar competition with the same format. The NYIWC is the first major international wine competition with Trade only judges from top to bottom that consist of people who are buyers from the top retail stores, restaurant owners, sommeliers, distributors and importers.
May 11, 2011
Jeff Gordon Collection Wine Featured in Jetset Magazine!
March 25, 2011
Press Release
JEFF GORDON COLLECTION 2008 CARNEROS CHARDONNAY MEDALS IN DALLAS
Calistoga, Calif. (March 28, 2011) — The latest release in the Jeff Gordon Collection of Wine has won its first commercial wine competition award.
The Jeff Gordon 2008 Carneros Chardonnay brought home a Bronze Medal at the 2011 Dallas Morning News & TexSom Wine Competition. This is the third vintage of Gordon chardonnay from the cool weather growing region of the Sonoma County side of Carneros, specifically from Leveroni Vineyards. Crisp and bright with flavors of pear and green apple, the wine mixes mild oak flavors with a nice mineral-like finish and is a great food wine that complements a wide variety of dishes.
This year marked the 27th edition of the annual Dallas Wine Competition, however it was the first year in which TexSom was involved. TexSom is an annual educational conference featuring top Texas wine experts, including Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine. The competition judging took place February 20-21 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Texas.
February 22, 2011
Our 2007 Ella Sofia Carneros Chardonnay Appears in the Celeb Marketplace of People's Cooking with the Stars Magazine!
Issue on newsstands through March 7
February 15, 2011
Press Release
DOUBLE GOLD AND SILVER AWARDED TO JEFF GORDON CELLARS
AT HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION
Calistoga, Calif. (February 15, 2011) — Two exceptional red varietals from Jeff Gordon Cellars have garnered awards at the 2011 Hilton Head International Wine Judging and Competition.
The 2007 Ella Sofia Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, named after Jeff Gordon’s daughter, won a prestigious Double Gold award in its category. In addition, the full-bodied 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon added a Silver medal to the collection.
This year marked the 26th edition of the annual Hilton Head Wine Competition. Judging took place January 28, 29 and 30 at The Sea Pines Resort’s Harbour Town Conference Center.
The competition is part of the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, which includes the Grand Wine Tasting & Auction and WineFest, one of the East Coast’s largest outdoor public wine tastings. The festival takes place March 11 & 12, 2011 and is presented by the Hilton Head Hospitality Association.
In its 26 years on the Island, the festival has grown from a small wine tasting to one of the East Coast’s largest tented wine festivals and has garnered the Bon Appetit Seal of Approval in 2011. Information about festival activities can be found at http://www.hiltonheadislandwineandfood.com/Default.aspx. Jeff Gordon Cellars will be sampling wine at both events.
December 7, 2010
Press Release
FOUR JEFF GORDON COLLECTION WINES TAKE SILVER
AT AMERICAN WINE SOCIETY NATIONAL COMPETITION
Calistoga, Calif. (December 7, 2010) — All four 2010 releases from Jeff Gordon Cellars have garnered Silver Medals at the 2010 American Wine Society National Commercial Competition.
A Jeff Gordon Collection standout among consumer tasters, the 2006 Napa Valley Joie de Vivre (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah) led the awards, alongside the 2007 Ella Sofia Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 2007 Ella Sofia Carneros Chardonnay and 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Entering its 43rd year, the American Wine Society is the oldest and largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to the general public and has been established for those who have a keen interest in wines and the wine culture.
Each fall the Society hosts a commercial and amateur wine competition, with AWS wine judge training graduates serving as the judges. This esteemed competition is renowned and respected throughout North America. This year’s competition was held on October 22–24, 2010 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The complete list of winners was announced on the website www.americanwinesociety.org and will be published in an upcoming issue of The Wine Journal magazine.
September, 2010
Our 2007 Ella Sofia Chardonnay and 2005 Napa Valley Cab score with Car and Driver magazine!
September 29, 2010
Snooth.com article
"Celebrity Wines- Drivers...Wine in the Winner's Circle"
September, 2010
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Magnum Club Quarterly Newsletter
"Memorable Times with Jeff Gordon"
August 25, 2010
Press Release
Three Jeff Gordon Wines Awarded Medals at 2010 Indy International Wine Competition
Calistoga, Calif. (August 25, 2010) — Three Jeff Gordon Cellars wines have garnered awards at the 2010 Indy International Wine Competition.
The not-yet-released Jeff Gordon Collection 2006 Joie de Vivre, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, was awarded a Gold Medal in the Red Vinifera Blend category. The varietal will be available soon upon launch of the new Jeff Gordon Wine Club at www.jeffgordonwine.com.
In addition, Jeff Gordon Collection 2007 Ella Sofia Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and 2007 Ella Sofia Carneros Chardonnay were each awarded Bronze medals. Both wines were named in Gordon’s daughter Ella Sofia’s honor.
The Indy International Wine Competition is the largest scientifically organized and independent wine competition in the United States, the world's largest wine market. Jeff Gordon Collection entries were among nearly 2,700 wines in the competition. Wines from 15 countries as far away as France, Australia, Chile and Spain were judged on appearance, aroma, taste and aftertaste by 14 panels of judges. In all, 52 judges from the United States and Canada evaluated the entries.
July 8, 2010
Press Release
Two Jeff Gordon Collection Wines Garner Awards
at 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition
Calistoga, Calif. (July 8, 2010) —- Jeff Gordon Cellars is proud to announce that two of our wines have been awarded medals at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Our winners:
Silver Medal-- Jeff Gordon Collection 2007 Pinot Noir, Ella Sofia, Sonoma Coast (new release)
Bronze Medal-- Jeff Gordon Collection 2007 Chardonnay, Ella Sofia, Carneros
The San Francisco International Wine Competition, the largest, most influential international wine competition in America, is judged by a prestigious panel of nationally recognized wine experts. Judging is based on a blind, consensual procedure, ensuring competitive integrity as it remains the nation's most respected wine competition.
Celebrating its 30th year, the 2010 competition was held at the distinguished Hotel Nikko in the heart of downtown San Francisco on June 18, 19, and 20. Forty-six wine industry professionals convened to taste, score and rank nearly 4,000 wines submitted by 1,290 wineries in 27 countries and delivered their choices this past week.
Jeff and the staff at Jeff Gordon Cellars are thrilled to have received these honors for two wines that are very special to him, as they are named in his daughter Ella Sofia's honor.
June 21, 2010
Press Release
LATEST JEFF GORDON COLLECTION WINE RELEASE HONORS DAUGHTER OF FOUR-TIME NASCAR CHAMPION
First of four Ella Sofia commemorative varietals releases following high marks at Pebble Beach tasting event
Calistoga, Calif. (June 21, 2010) — On Sunday, Jeff Gordon released the first of four 2007 varietals of his wine to bear the name of his daughter, Ella Sofia. The debut of Jeff Gordon Collection 2007 Ella Sofia Carneros Chardonnay coincided with her third birthday and Father’s Day, making the release extra special to the four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
“This wine is dedicated to my daughter, born in 2007—the only vintage of the Jeff Gordon Collection that will carry her name as it commemorates the happiness she has brought to Ingrid and me,” said Gordon. “I’m very excited about the release, especially since it occurred on her birthday and Father’s Day.”
The 2007 vintage is the fourth release of this most popular varietal. The grapes for this selection come from a 35 year old, Wente Clone Vineyard, planted on the Sonoma County side of Carneros, just south of the town of Sonoma. This wine is pale yellow, straw in color. Aromas of tropical fruit, pineapple & mango mingle with hints of ripe melon, green apple and toasty oak. This wine is well balanced with a full body and moderate oak. Flavors of passion fruit, caramel, and zesty citrus show through in the long finish.
The release follows a big week for Jeff Gordon Collection wine. On Wednesday, there was a private tasting party on the grounds of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach with Gordon and winemaker Joe Briggs, followed by a visit to August Briggs Winery and rounded out with the launch of a new direct-to-consumer website.
The next Ella Sofia varietal to be released will be the 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, along with a 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, in July.
To order the new 2007 Ella Sofia Carneros Chardonnay and other available varietals of Jeff Gordon Collection wine, please visit www.jeffgordonwine.com.
June 8, 2010
Charlotte Observer
Toast of the Westin: Jeff Gordon wines
Charlotte hotel hopes to draw NASCAR fans with driver's namesake label.
By Brooke Sutherland
The May NASCAR races are over, but Jeff Gordon fans in Charlotte don't have to look further than their wine glass to get a taste of the big-name driver's work.
The Westin Charlotte hotel is the latest Charlotte venue to feature Gordon's namesake wine label. The hotel introduced the Jeff Gordon Collection Wine in early May and features five varietals on its menu.
"(The wines) are very well-received," said Brian Noel, director of food and beverage for the Westin Charlotte. "They're definitely for a finer taste, a finer palate, if you will."
Just around the corner from the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Westin is counting on Gordon's popularity among NASCAR fans to draw attention to both the wine and the hotel.
Read more: http://www.thatsracin.com/2010/06/08/38085/gordons-wines-to-give-westin-nascar.html#ixzz0t6YLauSB
April, 2009
Bon Appetit: In the Magazine- Jeff Gordon
An exclusive interview with the NASCAR champ and owner of Jeff Gordon Collection wines.
Interview by Melinda Page
When he's not doing 190-mph laps around the track, the four-time NASCAR cup champ splits his time between his home in North Carolina and Napa Valley, where he works on perfecting his Jeff Gordon Collection wines. The Carneros Chardonnay, Napa Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—and the latest release, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir—are limited to 250 cases. But they have already popped up on wine lists at restaurants like Thomas Keller's Per Se and The French Laundry.
Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2009/04/jeff_gordon#ixzz0orZSZ5L4
June 22, 2007
San Francisco Chronicle
Jeff Gordon- NASCAR Driver’s Devotion to Wine
By Deborah Grossman, Special to The Chronicle
The fast pace of Jeff Gordon's life would make most mortals dizzy. In May, Gordon roared past Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s record for most NASCAR wins and leapt into sixth position for career cup victories. Revving up for Sunday's Nextel Toyota/Save Mart 350 competition on the twisting, 10-turn course at Infineon Raceway, the Vallejo native is the cup points leader.
But whether he wins or not, his biggest celebration this week is the birth of his first child with his wife, model Ingrid Vandebosch. Ella Sofia Gordon was born on Wednesday.
What could complement the joy of the birth of his daughter and his shot at a fifth Cup Series Championship? Quaffing his just-released 2004 Jeff Gordon Napa Valley Merlot and 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/06/22/WIG1HQHTO21.DTL#ixzz0orVmX9Vx
June 20, 2007
Sacramento Bee
Fast food ... and wine: NASCAR star Jeff Gordon takes the pole position in the kitchen.
Byline: Debbie Arrington
Jeff Gordon realizes he's a rolling contradiction. With a taste for gourmet cuisine, the famed race-car driver is a wine sipper in NASCAR Nation.
In a sport known more for beer bellies and tailgate barbecue than cabernet and fine cuisine, the Vallejo native expects to enjoy great wine, food and racing this week when he returns to his favorite stamping ground. On Sunday at Sonoma's Infineon Raceway, Gordon will try to defend his title in the Toyota/Save Mart 350, a race he's won a record five times.
Gordon doesn't limit his wine country pit stops to once a year. With homes in New York City and North Carolina, he can be tempted to fly back to California for a great meal with a favorite chef.
Not afraid of the kitchen, he filmed a cooking segment for the Food Network with Napa's Victor Scargle, the former dean of Julia's Kitchen who now owns Go Fish in St. Helena.
The four-time Nextel Cup champion even has his own wine label, the Jeff Gordon Collection released by August Briggs Wines in Calistoga.
Read more here
October, 2006
Press Release
2005 Jeff Gordon Carneros Chardonnay Release
CALISTOGA, Calif. - The 2005 Jeff Gordon Carneros Chardonnay has just been released and is ready to enjoy. This is the second year of production for this highly acclaimed wine. Moderate crop levels, coupled with a late growing season, allowed these 30-year-old vines from a single vineyard just inside Sonoma County to produce grapes with tropical fruit aromas as well as flavors of citrus, melon, pear and honey. It is well balanced with a full, round finish. The wine was barrel fermented in 100 percent French oak. Only 249 cases were produced.
A limited number of wooden gift boxes, signed by Jeff Gordon himself and each bearing a hologram for signature authenticity, will be available in mid-November on a first-come, first-served basis. Each hinged box contains one bottle of the 2005 Chardonnay and two genuine Riedel Extreme Series Chardonnay glasses packed in soft foam. Individual bottles of wine and glasses are also available for purchase.
June, 2006
Press Release
Napa Valley Merlot and Cabernet Are Newest Jeff Gordon Collection Releases
CALISTOGA, Calif. – The second stage of the Jeff Gordon Collection of fine wines has been released for public sale. Two vintage 2004 red wines – Napa Valley Merlot and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, both having been anxiously awaited by consumers – are available in upscale retail shops, wine bars and restaurants. Neither is available in supermarkets. Only 199 cases of each varietal were produced for Jeff Gordon Cellars by August "Joe" Briggs of Briggs & Sons Winemaking Co., Calistoga, Calif., one of the nation's foremost makers of quality, esoteric wines. The first stage of the collection, Jeff Gordon Carneros Chardonnay, was produced in 2004, and the recently-released 2005 Chardonnay remains available. The third stage, a 2004 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, named Joie de Vivre and sold only in magnums, will debut in late 2007. The fourth stage, a 2006 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, will be released in the spring of 2008. Each varietal will continue to be released at various stages of each succeeding year.
The Merlot was fermented in stainless steel for 14 days and then aged in French oak for 18 months and bottle-aged for 14 months. The fruit came from a single vineyard in the mountain foothills in northern Napa County. The wine is described as being very "big" in tannin and extraction. It's ready to drink now but has the anatomy to last for the long term. The Cabernet Sauvignon also was fermented in stainless steel for 14 days and aged 18 months in oak – 50 percent French and 50 percent American. It is much like the Merlot in stature but more elegant and rich on the palate, showing a complex construction of flavors that run from black currant and plum to a bit raspberry ripeness with a touch of toasted oak that transforms into a creamy finish.
November 15, 2005Wine Spectator
Fast Cars and Fine Wine: When NASCAR champ Jeff Gordon leaves the racetrack, he heads for wine country
By Bruce Schoenfeld
The most successful driver on the NASCAR circuit answers the door of his Charlotte, N.C., condominium in a gray knit shirt and black slacks, not cowboy boots and jeans. His living room is filled with the punk-pop jangle of Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue"—more Southern Californian than Southern. A magnum of Opus One sits on a kitchen counter, flanked by a bottle of Hourglass and a bottle of Hundred Acre, two boutique Napa Cabernets. There isn’t a beer can in sight.
Read more
October, 2005
Press Release
Announcing the First Release of Jeff Gordon Collection Wine
CALISTOGA, Calif. - The 2004 vintage of Jeff Gordon Carneros Chardonnay, the first release of a series of wines in the Jeff Gordon Collection, is now available. Only 201 cases were made and, therefore, highly allocated in order that it may be enjoyed by as many of Jeff's fans as possible.
The Chardonnay can be obtained via Internet order on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply click on www.Reids.com for further instructions.
The wine will also be available, in limited quantities, in selected restaurants and retail stores in California, Colorado, Indiana, New York and North Carolina. Additionally, as an item commemorative of this first release, 105 wooden gift boxes, each personally signed and numbered by Jeff himself, will be available exclusively at www.Reids.com. The boxes, branded with the Jeff Gordon name and logo and with a rope carrying handle, contain one bottle of the Chardonnay and two Riedel Crystal glasses embossed with Jeff's name and logo.
March, 2005
Press Release
Jeff Gordon Announces Winemaking Venture
CALISTOGA, Calif. – Jeff Gordon will market a series of upscale wines under a label bearing his own name, the championship race car driver announced today. Gordon, a celebrity who often appears as co-host on "Live With Regis and Kelly" as well as making frequent appearances on other network and cable television shows, said the first wine, a 2004 Carneros Chardonnay, will be available in October, 2005. Two red wines, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a Napa Valley Merlot, also of the 2004 vintage, will be released after proper aging, in January, 2007.
From that point, Chardonnay will be released each October and the Cabernet and Merlot each January. The wines, labeled Jeff Gordon Collection, are being made by August "Joe" Briggs, owner of Briggs & Sons Winemaking Co., of Calistoga at the north end of the world-famous Napa Valley. "These wines are not intended to be a novelty item, and they are not connected whatsoever with souvenir sales," said Gordon. "Instead, they're being sold in the 'fine wine' market such as restaurants and upscale wine shops." "Production is very limited, and this is one of the reasons I chose Joe Briggs to make the wines. All of Joe's August Briggs brand of wines are consistently very good because Joe limits his production in pursuit of the highest quality." Initially, the wines will be sold in only a few states. Fine Wine Trading Company of Charlotte, N.C., has been chosen as the exclusive broker. "Jeff has shown himself to be a champion in all his endeavors and I'm happy to be making his wines," said Briggs. "Jeff likes quality and so do we here at August Briggs. I like to make a lot of different wines and in small quantities so I can keep the quality high. I choose grapes from areas where the variety is best grown. I want the fruit and the essence of each vineyard to stand out, to define the wine." In later vintages, Gordon is considering adding other varietals, possibly a Pinot Noir, Syrah and Petite Syrah. Gordon began his wine experience 11 years ago and his enthusiasm with fine wine has continued to grow. Now he wants to play a bigger part.
"We're going to have a great wine in a great looking package," Gordon said.
