Press Room

JCB Passion Reviews

Score: 92 | October 31, 2022 | Wine Spectator

This sports a toasty edge, but there's a good gush of warmed cassis and steeped plum behind that, while the finish offers a lush, flattering feel as it picks up licorice and fruitcake hints. Drink now through 2032. 1,580 cases made.

Score: 92 | June 8, 2022 | JamesSuckling.com

Aromas of red currant, ripe red cherry and crushed thyme. Medium bodied with silky tannins. Lovely bright acidity and fresh character on the palate. Refreshing finish. Drink now.

Score: 94 | March 10, 2022 | Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Passion is another brilliant value and possibly the finest vintage of this cuvée to date. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, from a mix of vineyards, it’s a full-bodied, round, straight-up sexy red that has lots of black fruits as well as notes of leafy herbs, chocolate, and earth.

Score: 91-93 | January 1, 2022 | Vinous/Antonio Galloni

The 2019 Passion is a racy, voluptuous Napa Valley offering from Jean-Charles Boisset. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, white chocolate and new oak are all kicked up in this exuberant, full-throttle red. Passion is not a shy wine, but it certainly delivers the goods.

--Antonio Galloni

Score: 93 | January 1, 2021 | Vinous/Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Passion offers up tons of inky dark fruit. The tannins are a bit angular at this stage, so I would cellar the 2018 for at least a year or two. Everything is dialed up here, meaning the fruit, but also the tannins. Dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot round out this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.

-- Antonio Galloni

Score: 93+ | January 27, 2021 | JebDunnuck.com

Smoky black fruits, tobacco, and coffee bean notes emerge from the 2018 Passion Red Blend, another rich yet elegant wine from winemaker Stephanie Putnam. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness as well as the purity and freshness that are the hallmark of the vintage, it should evolve nicely for 2-4 years and keep for over a decade. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, all aged in 35% new French oak.

Score: 94 | October 29, 2018 | Wine Advocate

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 56% new French oak, the 2016 JCB Passion Proprietary Red is deep garnet-purple colored with lovely red currants, kirsch, black cherries and mulberries scents with hints of pencil lead, cigar box, underbrush and moss. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated, flamboyant and lively with a velvety frame, finishing long and earthy. 683 cases produced.

Score: 94 | December 29, 2017 | Wine Advocate

A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 JCB Passion Proprietary Red opens with a crème de cassis, char-grilled meat, garrigue and sautéed herbs-scented nose with notions of Indian spices, pepper and potpourri plus a touch of yeast extract. The medium-bodied palate is elegant, fresh, floral and finely textured, finishing long with some spices coming through. 1,468 cases were made.

Score: 90 | March 2, 2017 | Planet Grape

Exuberantly fruity and firm in its youth with notes of cherry cola, mushroom & sausage pizza, cedar, toast and vanilla.