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. — 18 days ago

Ericsson

9.1

Crisp acidity and vibrant passionfruit notes make it a wild ride through sun-soaked vineyards. This isn’t your safe, predictable white wine—it’s a bold reminder to embrace life’s untamed spirit. — 3 months ago

Paul J

9.5

First Rose of the season! Great as always. This had more strawberries than I remember. Lovely salmon color. — 8 days ago

with Brooke

Steve Reiss

9.0

Smooth drinking Grenache from Paso — 2 months ago

Pat Mead

8.9

2022 vintage of this reserve Chardonnay. Notes of vanilla, pineapple and lemon. Smooth and easy on the palate. Delicious with pork tenderloin dinner! — 2 months ago

Galen Hasler

9.2

Complex flavors of chamomile, melon, white stone fruits with skin contact structure, dry and crisp — 4 months ago

Joe Christenson

8.9

Plenty of red berry notes, eg tart cranberry and cherry. There’s an underlying minerality, plus some herbal and almost smokey notes. A unique approach for the region. — 15 days ago

Damian

9.1

Pale yellow color. Tropical fruit on the nose and palate. Long finish and high acidity — a month ago

David Ferguson

10

Great from first sip — 2 months ago

David White

9.3

This is the third bottle each two years apart and this opened very nicely after about an hour or so
I’ve increasingly liked this wine although given it the same rating
It’s well structured aromatic and just an all round good expression of well made Central Otago Pinot
Probably open the next three each with a year or less further age — 4 months ago