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. — 24 days ago

Jim Stehli

8.9

Maybe bought too many. It’s fine but doesn’t fly for me. Won’t reorder. — 3 years ago

Peter Coulthard

9.4

Naked. Even better than last time. Seems to have aged well — 4 years ago

Abbas Zand

9.4

Dark red/purplish color.
Earthy, dusty cedary nose, dried red fruit, hint of herbs.
Medium/ full body. Good bit of tannins.
Dry, but not too dry. Long earthy fruity (blackberry, dark cherry, blueberry) finish.
Absolute knockout at $13 — 7 months ago

Brady Moore

9.0

Light and easy to drink. Slightly sweet with hints of cherry! — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec, originally founded by Rod Strong in 1959. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep Ruby red with aromas of dark fruit, floral and herbs. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and sweet currants with cacao and espresso notes. Full-body, well balanced with fine tannins on a long finish. Very Nice! — 3 years ago

Martin Bergo

9.1

From Jerez and the Sherry grape palomino fino; straw yellow heavy on the swirl with a bunch of rod-like filamentous residue that sinks to the bortom of the glass; marsipan, ripe tangerines and boquets of wildflowers dominate the nose; taste is austere, low-medium acids, and clearly sherry-like, the structure reminds me of a north Rhône viognier. Well made and fresh and excellent with Beemster! — 4 years ago

Nicolas Greinacher

9.8

Tasted blind. This bottle was purchased directly from the winery on allocation and stored in a cold cellar since release. The ruby color is frightfully deep, almost black. Intense aromas with a laser-like precision of blackcurrant, crushed rocks, orange rind, chocolate, black cherry, mint, cloves and a dash of bourbon vanilla introduce the 2007 Screaming Eagle. The palate is a complete knockout: Full-bodied, extremely concentrated with pixelated, polished tannins, built like a skyscraper with an almost never ending finish. This is a massive Napa Cab, but despite all its power, it still retains freshness and elegance. The top of the cork reads "fly high and proud". Drink now until 2040. — 2 years ago

Jan de Weerd

9.2

Back to Idaho and ‘visited’ the GSM of Sawtooth Winery. The lighter body style wine actually paired quite well with our bbq chicken. The sauce amplified the spice and the dark red fruit notes in the wine. Very pleasant finish. — 2 years ago

with Tammy

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Just makes 92.

The texture is oily, gorgeous & luscious. Cream, lemon, lime, green apple, white stone fruits, beautiful chalkiness, lanolin, river stone, flinty notes, grey volcanics, sea fossils, yellow lilies, seems to show a little more used oak, excellent acidity and smartly polished.

Still surprised how Lamy generally continues to fly under the radar for the most part. — 4 years ago