Jones Family Vineyard

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

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. — 4 days ago

Bob, Scott@Mister and 10 others liked this

Bob McDonald

@Somm David T I recall having several bottles of the 97 Opus One which were all stunning.

Cape Landing

Sauvignon Blanc Margaret River 2013

Hermes Cuello

9.1

Outstanding wine! — 5 years ago

Bryan, Doug and 12 others liked this

Lamoreaux Landing

Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 2010

Michael Amoruso

9.0

2020 vintage. Excellent balance of fruit and mineral. — 3 months ago

Lamoreaux Landing

Finger Lakes Unoaked Chardonnay 2017

Meg Herring

9.0

This needed some time — a bit reductive at first. But then it developed nicely and was very delicious! I think they were likely aiming for Chablis and while I don’t think it has the minerality of Chablis, it is a nice example from a cool climate. — 4 years ago

Daniel P., Severn and 8 others liked this