Let me introduce you to my favorite new wine label: JAQK [1] (which cleverly stands for Jack, Ace, Queen, King) cellars. Passionate about play and wine, the brains behind the yet-to-be-released label believe that a great bottle of wine can enhance the playful atmosphere between friends and family.
Last week I had the chance to sit down with Joel Templin [2] (the founder) and Bernard la Borie (the president) to taste a couple of the label's wines. For a sneak peek of the fun company's wines, made by acclaimed winemaker Craig Maclean, and to see a bunch of images from the tasting, .
Each wine has a catchy name, interesting story, and beautifully designed label. The eight affordable bottles range in price from $23-64.
While I didn't taste all eight, the wines that I sipped were lush, smooth, and intensely drinkable. My favorite was High Roller, a classic Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon with an elegant, rich texture and dark cherry aroma.
With its deep-purple color and full body, Black Clover, JAQK's merlot, will make the grape made unpopular by the movie Sideways trendy again. The clover-etched bottle is ideal for collecting. After the wine is consumed it would make a gorgeously Gothic vase.
The convention-breaking chardonnay, Pearl Handle, is refined through egg whites. The wine is buttery, fruity, and balanced. My favorite bottle was the sparklingly designed Charmed, the sauvignon blanc. Crisp and mouth-watering, it has an appley aroma.
If you love wine or know a wine-lover, I highly recommend seeking out a bottle come October. Both the liquid and bottle are expertly crafted, resulting in wine that is delicious yet playful, making it an ideal gift for any wine aficionado.
- The table was set with JAQK information and paraphernalia. [4]
- JAQK's distribution boxes make a fun centerpiece. [5]
- At a great wine tasting, you will be given a new glass for each wine. [6]
- Soldiers of Fortune Shiraz. [7]
- Crackers to cleanse the palate. [8]
- I was given a decorative pack of JAQK playing cards as a party favor. [9]
- What a fun place to take notes! [10]
- Since the wine has not been released, everything we tasted were barrel samples. [11]
- Instead of having a regular business card, founder Joel Templin gives out poker chips. [12]
- The unfinished Chardonnay resembles extra virgin olive oil. [13]
- Wine lined up for tasting. [14]
- My favorite red: High Roller. [15]
- The playing cards out of their deck. [16]
- Empty glasses await wine. [17]
- The JAQK box. [18]
- A description of 22 Black, the label's low-end Cabernet Sauvignon. [19]
- The Sauvignon Blanc was my fav of the whites. [20]
- Photo 18 [21]