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. — 15 days ago

Diane M. Napolitano

9.6

Pears and flowers, like roses and marigolds. Fun stuff! A real find at my local Wegmans ❤️🍶🍐 — 3 years ago

Jaclyn McHugh

9.5

Perfectly balanced white blend! Not too sweet, tart, acidic, etc. Would be a total crowd pleaser, and would repurchase — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I would say this bottle sold on release for either side of $25. At this point, stunning with Chateaubriand.

This is at its peak. Excellent integration & evolution. It’s in its stupid faze.

The nose ripe blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, baked dark cherries & strawberries, pomegranate. Baking spices-clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & vanillin, dry herbs-sage, thyme, anise to black licorice, bight red, blue, purple florals,

The palate is ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, plum, strawberries, cinnamon stick, clove, nutmeg, dark spice, dry twig, dark cola, black tea, anise to black licorice, crushed limestone, withering to dark, red flowers, perfect acidity, excellent tension, structure, balance and elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and lands on spice & earth.

Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 🎅 ❄️ ⛄️ — 4 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Just entering its drinking window. It has 40 years ahead of it. Excellent with Ribcap from Costco.

Interesting that there are some vegetable notes on the nose.

Very good evolution. Medium plus tannins. Juicy, ripe blackberries, black raspberries, darkest cherries, black plum/ with skin, ripe strawberries, some blue fruit hues, cedar, black licorice/cola, dark rich earth w/ leaves, sandstone, steeped sun tea, light limestone powder, ripe, light, dark spice, clove, light cinnamon, hints of nutmeg, vanillin, moist volcanic clay, fresh red, dark flowers, framed in violets, round acidity with polish/balance, softly tensioned, elegant that falls on mineral & clay that lasts two-minutes. — a year ago

Matthew Hughes

9.2

Interesting evolution. In 30 minute increments wooden pencil, fresh cut wood, then sour cherry. — 4 years ago

Mandi Speidel

City Territory Chicago, Maverick Wine Company

9.0

Can’t wait to come back! Mouth Numbing — 5 months ago

Anthony Hoffman

10

Delicious — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Decanted 7 hours and then poured back into the bottle before service, 4 hours later. No formal notes. The 2019 “Caravina” is showing classic notes of black currants, tobacco, and baking spices with a gentle touch of vanilla. The finish is dry with significant structure. Already lovely with extended exposure to air, I’m looking forward to following the evolution of this wine for the next 10-15+ years. This remains one of Napa’s best values. — 3 years ago

Michael Lavely

9.0

I have been drinking this for years and each year it has different notes. Great wine, great buy. — 4 years ago