CHATEAU ST JEAN is a major California winery founded in 1973, in Sonoma County. It rose to prominence for a number of single-vineyard wines, beginning with the inaugural 1975 vintage, especially its flagship wine, the Bordeaux-style red blend CINQ CÉPAGES.
The eponymous chateau was built in the 1920s by Ernest and Maude Goff, with a number of white grape varieties being grown on the estate. The vines weren't around long, however, as they were replaced with less controversial crops during Prohibition (1920-1933). When CHATEAU ST JEAN was founded the original building was refurbished and listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It now hosts private events and tastings.
St Jean produces a large portfolio of wines organized into several selections. The premium wines are labeled under the Icon, Reserve, and Single Vineyard Collections, while the value wines are the broader Sonoma Estates and general California Collection.
CHATEAU ST JEAN has received critical acclaim throughout its history, especially for its flagship CINQ CÉPAGES. The 1996 CINQ CÉPAGES was named the wine of the year in Wine Spectator's Top 100 list, and later the 1999 vintage went on to be named number two. The winemaker Margo Van Staaveren was also lauded as winemaker of the year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2008. Van Staaveren began work at CHATEAU ST JEAN in 1980, becoming winemaker in 2003.
1997 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages Cabernet - WOY Ultrarich and chocolaty, with layers of cedar, plum, currant and black cherry, revealing uncommon depth and tiers of flavor as it...
1996 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages Cabernet - WOY Spectator Scents of red currant herb sage and tobacco are firm tight and tannic on the palate making this well-structured. A...
