Textbook Wine Visit with Jonathan Pey!

Textbook Wine Visit with Jonathan Pey!

It was great to officially meet Jonathan Pey last week, the founder of Textbook, as he tasted us on his newly released wines. He has had over 30 years experience in the wine industry. Jonathan had also worked for a number of Napa wineries and worked alongside Jack Davies (Schramsberg) and Robert Mondavi. Having worked in Bordeaux, Jonathan likes to produce European-influenced wines that have a lot of character and finesse. He does not like to use a lot of new French oak in his wines as he explained too much oak can hide flaws in the wine and he states that using less oak "opens up the kimono" and forces you to have only the best fruit.

Jonathan with a topographic map of Napa and the surrounding area and his wine lineup.

One of Jonathan's longest contracts for Cabernet Sauvignon is with Alex Vyborny in Oakville at his amazing vineyard which overlooks Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate.

From a vision of producing wine in California, to having produced its , its been quite a ride for Jonathan. He recalls their first vintage in Marin County was merely 5 cases – to now having the TEXTBOOK wines distributed in select Whole Foods markets and within parts of Asia.

The Lineup:

2019 Textbook Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley84% Stainless Steel, 16% Barrel FermentedSourcing from Oak Knoll and St. Helena, the cooler microclimates lead to bright natural acidity and lifted citrus and floral characteristics. ($20/BTL, $18/BTL case price)2021 Textbook Chardonnay, Napa Valley100% Barrel Fermented, 82% Malolactic Fermentation

Only 30 miles long by 5 miles across at its widest point, the Napa Valley Appellation is a complex tapestry of micro-climates – diverse soil, climate, and terrain create layers of complexity and evocative flavors. This Chardonnay comes from four unique lots from their grower partners in the southern end of Napa Valley. The wine is fermented in French Oak barrels and the use of malolactic fermentation leads to a lush, creamy texture with mid-palate weight while keeping the wine refreshingly bright, balanced and fruit-forward. Aromas of baked pear, crème brûlée, and candied orange are complemented by pie crust and baking spice.

($22/BTL, $19.80/BTL Case Price)

2019 Textbook Merlot, Napa Valley15 Months, 38% New French Oak, 98% Merlot, 2% Malbec

Renowned Napa Valley AVA sites are the highlight of this world-class pedigree release. Classic Bordelaise winemaking employing hand harvesting, small French Oak cooperage and gentle egg-white fining, provides a richly textured and balanced result. Intense aromas of ripe plum, mocha, and allspice. A rich mid-palate of flavors of black fruit. Balanced finish with full, almost sweet tannins.

 

($24/BTL, $21.60/BTL Case Price)

2020 Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley14 Months 35% New French Oak, 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot2020 was a tough year for most of Napa and Sonoma. Jonathan was telling me that due to the fires, instead of normally sourcing from seven or eight vineyards, he ended up sourcing from four as to avoid any smoke taint and to maintain the quality of the fruit. “As you head up the Napa Valley, rising heat darkens fruit profiles and tannin structure. This classic Napa Valley Cabernet offers aromas of anise, blueberry, dried cranberry and sage, while the palate expands to include blackberry jam and mocha. Rich and full-bodied with a long finish.”

 ($33/BTL, $29.70/BTL Case Price)2019 Textbook Page Turner Proprietary Red, Oakville22 Months, 40% New French Oak, 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet SauvignonLIMITED: Only 20 six packs left! Only 550 six packs produced annually. “The Merlot and Cabernet lend luxurious aromas of black stone fruits, juicy berries, baking spices, and toasty French Oak. Flavors are lush and textured, with notes of ripe black cherries and blueberries. Merlot provides soft and velvety tannins. Wine will age well 5-15 years.”

($75/BTL, $67.50/BTL Case Price)2019 Textbook Mise en Place Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville22 Months, 28% New French Oak, 77% Cabernet Sauvignon. 23% Merlot

LIMITED: Only 15 six packs left! “Restraint over power was the goal while crafting this Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Incredibly rich color, it showcases aromas of black currants, juicy plums, dark chocolate and baking spices. Palate has beautiful structure and ripe tannins with an excellent, lengthy finish. Wine will age well 5-15 years.”

 

 ($75/BTL, $67.50/BTL Case Price)

To place an order for these wines, email us back at [email protected] or call us at (561) 935-1720.Cheers!