JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset Reviews

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.

This throws a gush of warmed cassis and creamed plum notes out front, with polished structure and toast along the edges that then blossoms through the finish. A late tug of loamy earth keeps this just honest enough. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2030. 177 cases made.

A gorgeous nose of violets, roses, fresh strawberries, crushed herbs and bark. Medium- to full-bodied with soft tannins. Gentle, but concentrated, with lots of depth and complexity. A fascinating blend of 2019 pinot noir from Burgundy (48%) and Sonoma Coast (52%). Drink or hold.

Perfumed aromas of sliced strawberries, violets, raspberries and moss. Medium-bodied with gentle tannins. There is an openness on the palate, which allows for lovely expressions of fresh berries with a refreshing finish. Charming and delicious. Drink or hold.

Seductively fruity, with plenty of ripe cherries, raspberry coulis and some cinnamon stick. Evolves to mushrooms and pink beetroot. It’s juicy and plush, with present tannins and medium to full body. Good weight. Drink now.

Baked blueberries, mint and chili chocolate here, followed by walnuts and praline. Solid and full. Excellent density, with attractive chewiness to the tannins. 94% cabernet sauvignon and 6% cabernet franc. Try from 2024.

Aromas of crushed herbs, black tea and blackberries. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Lovely depth and complexity here, with a bed of black fruit, earthy spice and forest herbs. Cigar box and bark come through. Best after 2024.

Elegant, succulent and creamy, with apricot and Meyer lemon flavors that show plenty of nutmeg-laced spice details, backed by a lingering note of toasted sesame seed. Drink now. 250 cases made. 

Aromas of porcini, bark, blackcurrant and blackberry. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. The palate is grounded by a solid core of black fruit, accented by dried herbs and flowers. Delicious. This will age well. Best after 2024.

Aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum and black tea. Full-bodied with silky tannins. There is mineral character to the solid core of black fruit, helping to give freshness and transparency. Persistent and well balanced. Best after 2025.

Blackberries, peppery herbs, leather, and sappy green herb notes all emerge from the 2019 Leopard, a blend of 56% Syrah, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Cabernet Franc. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, super sexy, seamless red will drink well for 10-12 years.

The 2019 Knockout once again lives up to its colorful name. This Petite Sirah/Cabernet Sauvignon blend packs a tremendous punch. Inky dark fruit, spice, lavender, chocolate and grilled herbs saturate the palate and all the senses as this heady, opulent 2019 takes hold. What can I say? There is nothing subtle about the Knockout, that is for sure. And yet, it most certainly delivers the goods.

-- Antonio Galloni

The 2019 Phi is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in specially designed barrels from the Hermitage cooperage. Rich and explosive, with terrific energy, the 2019 has a lot to offer. Inky blue/purplish fruit, licorice, lavender, cloves and menthol lend gravitas to this potent Cabernet.

-- Antonio Galloni