Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Jack Winery – Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Atlas Peak AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Founded by former MLB players Chris Iannetta and Vernon Wells, Jack Winery produces small-lot, vineyard-designate Napa wines. Their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the high-altitude Atlas Peak AVA, a site known for its rocky volcanic soils and cooler mountain climate that yields powerful yet structured reds.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep and expressive, the bouquet reveals cassis, blackberry compote, graphite, and dried herbs, framed by cedar and mocha from French oak aging. The palate follows with concentrated black fruits, black cherry, and currant, layered with cocoa nib, espresso, and a touch of sage.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured, the 2018 vintage shows a firm tannin backbone and vibrant mountain acidity, balanced by a velvety texture and a long, mineral-driven finish. A wine that reflects both power and finesse.

Winemaking Notes
Aged for nearly two years in French oak (approx. 50% new), the wine highlights both Atlas Peak’s intensity and the polished Jack Winery style. The 2018 vintage in Napa is considered one of the strongest of the decade, offering balance, freshness, and aging potential.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, or aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.

Verdict
A bold yet refined mountain Cabernet that captures the essence of Atlas Peak terroir. Built to age beautifully for 10–15 years, but equally enjoyable now with a bit of decanting. A testament to Jack Winery’s precision and commitment to quality. 🍷cheers! — a month ago

Shay A

9.4

Steve Distler, owner of Arnyca, is doing consulting for a few small labels out in Napa. As I've posted before, his Arnyca cab franc is my favorite out of Napa Valley. He was the former GM at O'Brien Estate and was able to add them to his portfolio, along with Cobden Wini (winemaker for Arnyca and winemaker at O'Brien), Frias Family and Jack Winery. Killer line-up of small production stuff. We hosted him for a wine dinner and all of it was stellar.

Jack Winery utilizes the talents of Aonair winemaker Grant Long Jr. Jack was started by Vernon Wells (former MLB player) and Chris Ianetta (current MLB player). This '14 cab is from Diamond mountain and drinking well at a young age. Not as monstrous as young Howell Mountain cabs. Red and black fruit dominant with a decent amount of espresso and pepper. Needs to rest for a few years but has very good potential to be extremely good. — 8 years ago

with Steve

Jan de Weerd

9.4

No pun intended but these retired MLB players hit it out of the park with this merlot/cab blend made from estate grapes grown near the summit of Atlas Peak in Napa Valley. Vibrant crisp fruit supported with soft rounded but persistent tannins. A mineral, savory finish. Loved it!! — 4 years ago

with RoAnne, Todd and 1 other

Deiniol ap Dafydd

9.0

Good elegant Mlb, structured with nicely integrated oak. More than sipping wine. — 6 years ago

Matthew Youngs

9.0

Very nice for an affordable red. On MLB Opening Day and women's NCAA Final day, is there any reason to do anything bigger than this? Not really. Good rounded fruit, pleasant spice; just enough going on. Yay vaguely cheap Portuguese! — 9 years ago

Ted

9.7

Like mlb used to say when I was little. This is fantastic. Nutty buttery lemon. Brilliant yellow in color thanks @Todd Abrams another killer wine — 9 years ago

Dana Brown

9.1

Fun night! Saw the director Jane Campion introduce her new film, rejoiced to Boston and SF winning game 1’s in round one MLB playoffs — 4 years ago

L.A. Warren

9.0

Nicely blended red. Seriously mellow while watching a pre-season belated MLB game.

Booooooo Astros! — 5 years ago

Frank Kuo

9.2

Color of dark purple, almost inky, and a bit cloudy. Nose of plum, berry, fermented cabbage, vanilla, and some touch of sulfate note. Taste is quite acidic, with plummy and salty note hidden beneath, some tobacco leaves, marginal tannins, a tiny touch of zest, and some backbone of alcohol. Aftertaste is dominated by tobacco note and bittersweetness. It is actually a quite dense wine with above average structure. — 8 years ago

Lauren Daab

10

Go royals! — 9 years ago