Reviews

The 2019 Cabernet Franc JCB #17 is all varietal and comes from a single vineyard in St. Helena. It spent 19 months in 40% new French oak. This pretty, medium to full-bodied, super elegant red offers lots of spicy, cedary, savory nuances as well as ample ripe darker cherry and berry fruits, supple tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 15 years or more.

Expressive, spicy and silky, with berry and cherry fruit wrapped in toasty, vanilla-tinged oak. Firm yet elegant, with a layer of dusty tannins; however, the lasting impression is ripe fruit and an underlying mineral element. Just needs time. Best from 2026 through 2045. —B.S.

Silky and loaded with black cherry, black currant and wet earth flavors. Delivers dusty tannins along with tar and iron accents. Compact, yet it lingers nicely on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2043. —B.S.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection is a blend taken from 14 sites across the valley. Succulent red cherry, spice, mocha and new leather are all kicked up in this juicy, mid-weight offering. The Reserve Selection is a terrific introduction to these wines.

-- Antonio Galloni

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 Surrealist, Jean-Charles Boisset's Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot blend, screams out of the glass with layers of plush, inky red fruit. Mocha, spice and rose petal complement the super-ripe fruit nicely. Unabashedly flamboyant and inviting, Surrealist captures the essence of the Boisset style...and personality.

-- Antonio Galloni