Kyle Belcher

9.4

Enjoyed with BBQ ribs. Black pepper on the palette, hint of green olive and dark fruit on the nose. Delicious. — a month ago

ESF

9.0

solid wine, well made, paired with/smoked pork ribs. ARG has dominated Malbec market so it's always nice to taste its ancestral home. dark fruit dominated, some Earth driven elements, fairly straightforward nose & palate. — 2 months ago

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. — 3 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 — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

Bevan Cellars EE Red Wine 2019
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A flagship cuvée from the East/East blocks of Tench Vineyard in Oakville (next to Screaming Eagle), the 2019 EE is Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant with supporting Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This bottling represents one of Bevan’s most terroir-driven wines, showcasing Oakville’s volcanic, iron-rich soils.

Aromas & Flavors
Intense and concentrated, with dark blackberry, cassis, black plum, and graphite at its core. Layers of violets, pencil shavings, and espresso build complexity, while subtle tobacco and spice notes reveal the vintage’s structure.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, muscular, and powerful, yet polished. The tannins are ripe and firm, giving the wine backbone, while the mid-palate is lush and layered. Long, mineral-driven finish with savory depth.

Winemaking Notes
Aged ~20 months in French oak (around 80% new), the 2019 vintage benefitted from Napa’s ideal growing season: long hang times, cooler evenings, and steady ripening — a classic recipe for age-worthy balance.

Food Pairing
Think porterhouse steak, braised short ribs, or rosemary lamb chops — bold dishes that match its power and finesse.

Verdict
The 2019 EE is a monumental wine — expressive now with air (best after decanting), but with the structure to age 15–20 years. A truly collector-worthy Napa red that balances terroir expression with Bevan’s signature opulence. — 9 days ago

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. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Caymus Special Selection is the flagship Cabernet, crafted only in exceptional years. The 2018 vintage stands tall among recent releases, showing why Chuck Wagner’s vision continues to shape Napa’s most recognized “luxury Cab.” 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor vineyards, it strikes the perfect balance between Caymus’ signature ripe, fruit-forward style and an added layer of structure from a long, balanced growing season.

Aromas & Flavors
A powerful bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with cocoa nibs, espresso, and baking spices. Subtle hints of licorice, cedar, and vanilla lift the complexity, while a core of lush fruit drives the palate. The oak integration is seamless, giving a supple sweetness without overwhelming the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Rich, opulent, and velvety—yet with surprising finesse. The tannins are silky and well-structured, giving length without heaviness. The finish lingers on black fruit and mocha, balanced by just enough acidity to keep it vibrant.

Winemaking Notes
Meticulous fruit selection, long maceration for concentration, and extended aging in new French oak (18+ months). The Wagner hallmark: generous fruit expression wrapped in polished oak for immediate pleasure but with aging potential.

Food Pairing
An indulgent pairing with ribeye, prime rib, or braised short ribs. For a decadent twist, try it with dark chocolate truffles or roasted lamb with rosemary.

Verdict
One of the most impressive Caymus Special Selection vintages in recent memory—showing both lush Napa Valley opulence and refined elegance. A wine that thrills now but promises to shine for years.

Personal Pick Highlight
This 2018 stands as my favorite Caymus of the modern decade—a true benchmark that captures everything people love about Napa Cabernet at its richest and most expressive. Cheers!
— 7 days 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. — 4 years ago

with Anne