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. — a month ago

Paul J

9.5

Extremely complex! Cloudy gold color with orange hues. Great balance between tart and sweet flavors. Wine has all sorts of fruit - oranges, grapefruit, honey, coconut, tangerine, melon, and even some guava. Love it! One of my favs. Paired lovely with 4hr slow smoked ribs. — 4 years ago

with Brooke

Jose Lorenzo

9.5

Definitely in Sofia and I’s top 3. Big, bold, balanced, beautiful. With short ribs😋 — a year ago

K Brooks

8.9

Enjoyed again with Pat’s grilled new york strip steak and filet mignon steak. Also enjoyed with Pat’s spaghetti. Enjoyed this Cotes Du Rhone “Terres d’Avignon” ($14) with Chef Louise Short Ribs & Pasta. — 3 years ago

Mike Miller

9.8

Wife loves it. She is having braised ribs and I am having pasta with a heavy red red sauce. Also a snowy winter night in Maine. Rich, full and warming. — 3 years ago

with Anne

Donald Williams

9.2

BBQ ribs, collard greens, coleslaw, and wasabi mashed potatoes. And Turley Rattlesnake Ridge Zin. A perfect Memorial Day dinner. — 5 years ago

with Bonnie

Michael Walker

9.9

Have a long history with the BV GdL but not sure if I’ve reviewed the ‘11. Decanted this one 2.5hrs and served with short ribs. The nose is the star of the show: pungent, redolent, pick your wine superlative. The palate just slight underwhelms after the overwhelming nose but still superb. Probably peak aging or maybe slightly past. — 2 years ago

ESF

9.2

Tasting Menu wine w/beef short ribs - would seek this out, very impressive straddling Old & New World style — 3 years ago

Cheylsea Lauren

8.9

Perfect with short ribs — 3 years ago

Henry Fuseler

9.2

2/2021. Deep rich flavor. Big. Paired very well with the short ribs at Mr. Friendly’s. — 4 years ago