Dawn E.

8.9

Decent wine from Washington. Nice complexity! Blackberry jam, Baker's chocolate, bay leaves, graphite, tomato leaves , violets, and herbs. Nice long finish. — 23 days ago

Douglas Flinn

9.0

Not their best vintage, but still one of the better Cabernets that I’ve had (behind their better vintages). — 13 days ago

Peter Coulthard

9.2

Costco. Prior to aerating properly this was a little drying and oaky, and this wasn’t so good. However, following a bit of time to breathe and aerate, this was very enjoyable. Fruits and redcurrant and cherries came out, with a bit of an oaky dryness on the finish but not too significant. — 2 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.3

Decanted for 3 hours before dinnner and paired with wagyu filet

Generally good robust fruit flavors but overall this wine seemed muted and did not pop with anything special. Somewhat surprised - maybe an off bottle. Still good and enjoyable with meal but shy of expectations — 3 months 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. — 15 days ago

Heath & Johanna VanDeLinder

9.0

Nice dark color, full body, character consistent with story, with smoky notes. Definite repurchase at under $20. — 3 months ago

Jocholla

9.5

Earthy, blue fruit, smoked pork, olive brine, more alcohol on the nose than I recall, nice cigar smoke, dark ruby almost purple yet bright still, terroir driven with a sense of place. I feel like royalty with every sip. — 5 months ago

romo

9.1

Several flavors in balance with lots of place. Not too weird. — 4 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.5

Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, chocolate and herbs. Amazing black berry flavors, cocoa and minerals on the palate.

🏅100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
🏅99 Points - Owen Bargreen
🏅95 Points - Stephen Tanzer — 10 days ago

with Dr.

"Odedi"

9.3

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark inky in color with a reddish rim.

Very pretty nose with black fruits, cedar, licorice, light vanilla, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, Indian spices, cola and light black tea.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with sweet raspberries, plums, cooked cherries, cedar, chocolates, toast, light vanilla, dark coffee, Indian spices, light cola licorice and peppercorn.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a delicious 9 year old Merlot from Columbia Valley. Rich and extracted. Spicy and entertaining.

Peaking now and will continue to drink nicely in the next 5 years.

Good right out of the bottle, and better after 3 hours of airtime.

Nicely balanced with a soft mouthfeel. Smooth and elegant. Fruit forward and tangy. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Good by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. Aged for 22 months in (85% new) French Oak barrels.

14.9% alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$75. — 3 months ago