Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Monticello Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2019
Tietjen Vineyard, Rutherford, Napa Valley – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Crafted from the iconic Tietjen Vineyard in Rutherford, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark example of Napa’s famed “Rutherford Dust.” The vineyard’s gravel, loam, and sandy soils, influenced by both volcanic and marine deposits, contribute to its distinctive character. Produced in limited quantities, this reserve bottling exemplifies elegance and terroir-driven depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Lush red and black berry fruit with cassis at the core, layered with sweet vanillin oak, caramel, and subtle spice. Rutherford’s earthy dust signature emerges with grace, adding complexity and balance.

Mouthfeel
Rich and full-bodied, yet polished. Fine-grained tannins wrap the fruit in elegance, with a long, supple finish that lingers with both freshness and finesse.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside grilled ribeye, lamb chops, truffle risotto, or aged gouda.

Verdict
An iconic Rutherford Cabernet—textbook definition of power meeting refinement. Age-worthy yet approachable now with proper decanting. Cheers!

Did You Know?
The phrase “Rutherford Dust” was coined by André Tchelistcheff, Napa’s legendary winemaker, to describe the unique terroir-driven, fine powdery tannins and earthy nuance that define Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford. — 10 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Still going strong at 34 yrs. This was my last btl purchased on release when visiting Grace family vineyards where the wine was produced. Very tiny production showing black fruits, sweet spices, cedar, leather, earth & tobacco — 5 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

10

2021 vintage. From the original 2 acre parcel. Intoxicating, very concentrated, with layers of black fruits, and subtle spices, embedded in a silky tannic structure. It is also very elegant and fresh, everything falls into place. Extraordinary finish. Kudos to winemaker Helen Keplinger. — 9 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Hevron Heights Winery – The Jacob’s Ladder, Murciano Barrel Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
An exclusive release of only 4,400 bottles, this Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the elegance of the 2014 vintage in the Judean Hills. Tasting from bottle #2945 felt like a privilege, as this limited series captures both rarity and regional character with poise.

Aromas & Flavors
Layered blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe plum, accented by cedar, tobacco, and graphite. With air, notes of dried herbs, leather, and warm spice emerge, adding depth to the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful, with polished tannins and balanced acidity. Matured into a silky texture over time, showing structure without heaviness. The finish is long and expressive, leaving traces of dark fruit and earthy spice.

Food Pairings
Perfect with lamb chops, braised short ribs, or roasted beef. Also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses or mushroom-based dishes that echo its earthy tones.

Verdict
A rare and refined Cabernet that demonstrates both the potential of Judean Hills terroir and the grace of a well-aged vintage. Complex, elegant, and memorable — a true collector’s gem: bottle #2945 of only 4,400 produced. 🍷

Did You Know?
“The Jacob’s Ladder” line pays homage to biblical symbolism of connection between heaven and earth, echoing the winery’s vision of linking heritage with fine winemaking. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2019 vintage. Last tasted 01.29.25 (9.6). Double decanted and tasted after one hour. Tasted side by side with the 2021 Grace Family Napa Cab. This had that marvelous melding of delicious valley floor and mountain slope characteristics. Medium bodied and not too heavy yet not too light. Already so so good and blithely unaware of its' beauty. Excellent example of the days of yore for Napa Cab and the heights it can reach without tasting like it's jumped through three dozen hoops and been reincarnated twice in 6 months. Simply pure. 05.21.25. — 5 months ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.6

Wow what a wine. Aged perfectly with power and grace. Highly recommmend! — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Jack Winery – Proprietary Red Blend 2022
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Crafted as a small-lot, carefully curated Bordeaux-style blend, this wine showcases Jack Winery’s dedication to balance and terroir expression. The 2022 vintage is composed of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, and 6% Malbec, each varietal bringing a distinct layer of complexity to the finished wine .

Aromas & Flavors
The nose opens with striking aromas of blackberry, black licorice, mission fig, and violets. On the palate, expect a plush wave of black cherry and black licorice, edged with rosemary, finishing silky and long with notes of French vanilla, burnt caramel, and tobacco spice .

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and seamless, this wine balances density with grace. The polished tannins integrate beautifully with firm acidity, leading into a smooth, lingering finish that feels refined yet powerful.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested from premium Napa vineyards, each varietal is fermented individually and then aged in French oak barrels—with a portion of new oak used to enhance complexity while maintaining harmony  .

Food Pairing
Rich enough to stand with grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or aged cheeses, yet elegant enough to complement slow-roasted pork or mushroom risotto. A versatile Napa blend for both hearty and refined food.

Verdict
A showcase of Jack Winery’s blending artistry. The 2022 Proprietary Red Blend delivers structure, finesse, and layered flavor—bold yet approachable, and built for both sipping now and savoring down the road. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2021 vintage. Last tasted 01.29.25 (9.6). Double decanted and tasted after one hour. Sumptuous medium body. Feminine-styled nose. Delicate flavors with über-fine tannins. Obvious presence without needless fanfare. Regal with a quiet, enduring elegance and pedigree. 05.21.25. — 5 months ago

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

9.0

This Napa wine is full-bodied and plush, with a velvety texture that coats the mouth. The fruit core is ripe and sweet, dominated by dark berries and chocolate flavors. Notes of toasty oak, vanilla bean, and cinnamon round out the flavor profile, making it rich. The tannins are soft making this wine superb. — 7 months ago

with Michael

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

Last tasted 10.09.24 (9.5). At $80 resto cost, absolutely blows a majority of comparably priced (and above!!) Napa cabs out of the water. 01.29.25. — 9 months ago