Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.8

I coravined some of the 97 early this week and as I sipped it, it was had not to think it was the best Jones Family I’ve had. A score of 98 and I have not given a wine 98 in a very long time. But no matter where you go, there you are.

Tonight I had the 01 at the “Tasting House” and it was amazing. Their Short Ribs are amongst the best I’ve had. A deliberate wine bring knowing the wine & how well it pairs w/ short ribs.

1997 was an outstanding vintage. I think we can all agree on that. Jones Family is a TRB wine that should not fly under the radar in any vintage and I have had nearly all those good vintages since 97.

The 1997 is ethereal. The nose is pure beauty. Perfectly ripe and resolved fruits. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums & juicy strawberries. Perfect baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, sandstone/limestone, fresh tobacco, cedar to sandalwood, dark, Indian/Asian spices, camphor, black licorice, berry cola, sun tea, volcanics, tree bark w/ hints of sap, dark & red fresh flowers.

The palate is incredibly, beautiful, balanced fruit & earth. Bright cherries, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, hovering raspberries & juicy strawberries. Perfect baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, sandstone/limestone, beautiful Indian/Asian spices w/ some plate heat, fresh tobacco, sandalwood, volcanics & dry clay, camphor, dark chocolate baking bar, black licorice, some warm caramel, berry cola, sun tea, volcanics, dark rich soil with dry leaves, tree bark w/ hints of sap, fresh & dry herbs, dark & red fresh flowers framed in lavender & liquid violets, excellent acidity with perfect; elegance, tension, balance and structured finish that last minutes landing on fresh fruit, dark spices and earth tones.

I’ve posted other bottles of 97 Jones Family that were incredible, 95-96. This one perhaps had better storage, evolution & timing. Magic. — 18 days ago

Delectable Wine

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9.5

Brilliant ruby. Smoky, mineral-tinged aromas of raspberry, cherry preserves, garrigue and exotic spices show excellent clarity and acquire a gamy nuance as the wine opens up. At once rich and energetic in character, offering well-concentrated red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a sweetening touch of candied lavender. Shows fine definition and finishes gently, spicy and impressively long, with repeating florality and steadily building tannins. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2021)
— 4 years ago

Dave Keatley

9.0

Great as usual! Decanted this wine but might not have needed it. 2021 was a lower tannin more supple vintage. Classic Jamet aromas of lavender and charcuterie, great acidity and moderate tannin — 2 months ago

Jae Cho

9.0

Watermelon, pit fruit and lavender? First day the lavender more, second the fruit. — 2 years ago

Jalyn Warren

9.1

Very nice! — 3 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.4

Dark, bright-hued ruby. An expansive, complex bouquet evokes ripe cherry and black raspberry, along with pungent floral, exotic spice and earth notes. Stains the palate with sweet red and dark berry, lavender pastille and fruitcake flavors that spread out steadily and become livelier on the back half. Conveys a suave blend of richness and energy and finishes impressively long and juicy, with harmonious tannins and resonating florality. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, August 2021)
— 4 years ago

Aravind A

9.5

Pop and pour. Notes from 24 hrs open (in the fridge overnight). While this was compelling yesterday, it is glorious today. On the nose: pure lavender, garrigue, soft cola and a touch of sweet incense, wow. On the palate: very good acidity, fantastic density, sweet blackberry, a touch of ash and heat, cola and a surprisingly dark finish, showing a smoldering warmth and very fine tannin. Seems like at least another 3-5 years before peak if this btl is representative. Absolutely gorgeous. — 8 months ago

Nathan Renfro

9.6

Deep garnet. Oak and dark fruit on the nose. Hour decant and still a bit tight but yet still very smooth and well structured. Red and black fruit. Tannins silky smooth with nice long finish. Beautiful wine! After another hour this wine was hitting its stride! So good!! — 3 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.9

The 2018 IX Estate is a wine of extraordinary depth and intensity. The aromatics along are positively dazzling. Crushed herbs, lavender, spice, menthol, chocolate, licorice and gravel lend tremendous power and gravitas. Just as impressive it was last year, the 2018 is positively riveting today. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2022)
— 3 years ago

Sandeep Konchady

9.0

Really great taste, mild yet flavorful. — 4 years ago