JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset Reviews

The 2018 Merlot No. 4 is made from 100% Merlot, from the east side of St. Helena on volcanic/obsidian-rich soils. It was aged in French oak, 21% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it comes bounding out of the glass with lively notes of crushed black plums, juicy blueberries and fresh blackberries with suggestions of candied violets, baking spices, cardamom and fruitcake. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers soft, rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, beautifully framing the ripe, fresh black and blue fruits, finishing long and spicy. Only 49 cases were made.

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.

The 100% varietal 2018 Cabernet Franc JCB #17 is a beauty, offering pretty Franc notes of red and black fruits, dried flowers, barbecue smoke, and spice. Coming from a vineyard on the east side of St. Helena and aged in 50% new French oak, it’s a character-filled, medium to full-bodied, elegant wine that will last for 10-15 years.

The 2018 No. 10 offers up an attractive melange of sweet floral and spice notes to play off a core of ripe red berry fruit. This mid-weight wine is a bit tight today, but like all of the 2018s it is done in a heady, flamboyant style. -- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 No. 1 is laced with the essence of raspberry jam, mocha, cedar, rose petal and cinnamon. Rich, silky and opulent, the 2018 offers plenty of immediacy to match its flamboyant style. Drink it over the next decade. -- Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Knockout (Cabernet Sauvignon/Petite Sirah) certainly delivers on its name. Rich, deep and explosive, with tons of supporting energy, the 2018 is a big wine. I would give the formidable Petite tannins a few years to settle down. Inky red/purplish fruit, spice, cedar, new leather and sweet pipe tobacco are all layered into the huge finish. -- Antonio Galloni