Joel Lara

9.2

This is a full bodied wine providing intense, concentrated flavors of blueberries, raspberries, violets, and cassis, with an underlying layer of dried herbs. It has quite high tannins that provide a chalky mouthfeel, but it’s balanced nicely by med/high acidity. On the finish, notes of earthy bitter chocolate accompany the fruit and violets, and the tannins provide just a slightly drying mouthfeel. I think this wine would go well with something robust like ribeye, lamb, or smoked ribs/brisket. I had it with sausage and mushroom pizza, and after the first glass it became a bit too much. — 14 days 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. — a year ago

K Brooks

8.9

Enjoyed again with Pat’s grilled new york strip steak and filet mignon steak. Also enjoyed with Pat’s spaghetti. Enjoyed this Cotes Du Rhone “Terres d’Avignon” ($14) with Chef Louise Short Ribs & Pasta. — 4 years ago

Cheylsea Lauren

8.9

Perfect with short ribs — 4 years ago

JFP

9.3

Great red. Excellent fit with ribs — 5 years ago

Deborah M

9.4

Deep dark plums and licorice. Full mouthfeel. Big body. Paired perfectly with baby back ribs that I grilled. When I want a great Zin, WS never disappoints. (Adding - even better on day 2). — 6 years ago

Tobin Trevarthen

9.6

After 15 years, this wine is a real beauty. Deep ruby, with some brown edging. Dense cherry, with evolving flavor profile as time played out. Butterscotch, vanilla, mellowed but tannins were still present. Served with ribs. Worked very nicely. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Happy New Year! 🍷

Perfect pairing w/ my Dutch oven braised short-ribs & horseradish mashed potatoes.

Dark currants, brambly blackberries, dark cherries, brilliant cherries, strawberries, iron pan, dry shale, dry herbs-sage lead, dry crushed rocks, limestone, volcanics, roasted chestnuts (a signature of this producer), some black coffee, tarriness, dry top soil, dark spices, some red to mid berry cola, red, dark flowers, violets, excellent, round acidity, balance for days, nice structure/tension with elegance that lands squarely on dry earthiness. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

Bevan Cellars EE Red Wine 2019
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A flagship cuvée from the East/East blocks of Tench Vineyard in Oakville (next to Screaming Eagle), the 2019 EE is Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant with supporting Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This bottling represents one of Bevan’s most terroir-driven wines, showcasing Oakville’s volcanic, iron-rich soils.

Aromas & Flavors
Intense and concentrated, with dark blackberry, cassis, black plum, and graphite at its core. Layers of violets, pencil shavings, and espresso build complexity, while subtle tobacco and spice notes reveal the vintage’s structure.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, muscular, and powerful, yet polished. The tannins are ripe and firm, giving the wine backbone, while the mid-palate is lush and layered. Long, mineral-driven finish with savory depth.

Winemaking Notes
Aged ~20 months in French oak (around 80% new), the 2019 vintage benefitted from Napa’s ideal growing season: long hang times, cooler evenings, and steady ripening — a classic recipe for age-worthy balance.

Food Pairing
Think porterhouse steak, braised short ribs, or rosemary lamb chops — bold dishes that match its power and finesse.

Verdict
The 2019 EE is a monumental wine — expressive now with air (best after decanting), but with the structure to age 15–20 years. A truly collector-worthy Napa red that balances terroir expression with Bevan’s signature opulence. — 10 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

I met up with a buddy who is a huge Napa guy. It’s what he knows and to his credit, he has great knowledge of producers and has good taste. We decided to grab a bite at Buvette and he asked if I would pick out the bottle. He said he trusted my judgment, so I walked over to the Rhone wall and noticed the 2019 Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph. Knowing the style, I figured it would touch some of the things he would be familiar with, particularly right now in its youth.

Popped and poured; no formal notes. The 2019 Saint-Joseph pours a deep purple color that stains the glass. On the nose, the wine is fresh and redolent of ripe black fruits and some blue fruits: blackberries and other dark brambly fruits along with some blueberries. The non-fruits were also there: beautiful purple flowers, black pepper, rocky minerals and some lovely vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine was big, full-bodied and had great structure, nearing that medium+ range across the board. The acid is fantastic and the finish was long and savory. It’s easy to draw comparisons between Chave and Gonon as anymore, they share a similar price point and both are known leaders in the appellation. From my perspective, the Chave S-J comes across a bit more focused on the fruit, floral and spice characteristics while the Gonon S-J highlights the bacon fat and rotundone. Otherwise, both are excellent examples. FWIW, my buddy loved the wine (chalk one up for the Old World!) and it was an excellent pairing with our braised short ribs. Drink now to enjoy its youth or enjoy through 2034+. — 3 years ago

Paul J

9.5

Extremely complex! Cloudy gold color with orange hues. Great balance between tart and sweet flavors. Wine has all sorts of fruit - oranges, grapefruit, honey, coconut, tangerine, melon, and even some guava. Love it! One of my favs. Paired lovely with 4hr slow smoked ribs. — 5 years ago

with Brooke

Pooneet K

9.2

Not a wine I would buy but interesting to try. Deep, inky black in the glass. A bit secondary on the nose but overall for the age in a great place. Very ebulliently fruity and robust, would not have guessed brunello though I do understand 2001 was an intense year. Nice acid and a long finish. Surprisingly good with ribs. — 6 years ago

Lisa Fried

9.3

Was just perfect with short ribs and sweet potatoes. Still young but smooth with lots of sour cherry. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Caymus Special Selection is the flagship Cabernet, crafted only in exceptional years. The 2018 vintage stands tall among recent releases, showing why Chuck Wagner’s vision continues to shape Napa’s most recognized “luxury Cab.” 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor vineyards, it strikes the perfect balance between Caymus’ signature ripe, fruit-forward style and an added layer of structure from a long, balanced growing season.

Aromas & Flavors
A powerful bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with cocoa nibs, espresso, and baking spices. Subtle hints of licorice, cedar, and vanilla lift the complexity, while a core of lush fruit drives the palate. The oak integration is seamless, giving a supple sweetness without overwhelming the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Rich, opulent, and velvety—yet with surprising finesse. The tannins are silky and well-structured, giving length without heaviness. The finish lingers on black fruit and mocha, balanced by just enough acidity to keep it vibrant.

Winemaking Notes
Meticulous fruit selection, long maceration for concentration, and extended aging in new French oak (18+ months). The Wagner hallmark: generous fruit expression wrapped in polished oak for immediate pleasure but with aging potential.

Food Pairing
An indulgent pairing with ribeye, prime rib, or braised short ribs. For a decadent twist, try it with dark chocolate truffles or roasted lamb with rosemary.

Verdict
One of the most impressive Caymus Special Selection vintages in recent memory—showing both lush Napa Valley opulence and refined elegance. A wine that thrills now but promises to shine for years.

Personal Pick Highlight
This 2018 stands as my favorite Caymus of the modern decade—a true benchmark that captures everything people love about Napa Cabernet at its richest and most expressive. Cheers!
— 10 months ago

Daniel Bloom

9.3

Yowza!
Old school meets suavé. Very cherry on the nose initially with red and black fruits mixed. Earth, leather,
Nice cocoa on the palate against lemon on short ribs. Multi faceted, easy, maybe too easy. Do not be deceived, this is A+ vino. It’s like the old world popped its head into the new. Deliciousness! — 3 years ago

Michael Walker

9.9

Have a long history with the BV GdL but not sure if I’ve reviewed the ‘11. Decanted this one 2.5hrs and served with short ribs. The nose is the star of the show: pungent, redolent, pick your wine superlative. The palate just slight underwhelms after the overwhelming nose but still superb. Probably peak aging or maybe slightly past. — 4 years ago

ESF

9.2

Tasting Menu wine w/beef short ribs - would seek this out, very impressive straddling Old & New World style — 4 years ago

Henry Fuseler

9.2

2/2021. Deep rich flavor. Big. Paired very well with the short ribs at Mr. Friendly’s. — 5 years ago

Donald Williams

9.2

BBQ ribs, collard greens, coleslaw, and wasabi mashed potatoes. And Turley Rattlesnake Ridge Zin. A perfect Memorial Day dinner. — 6 years ago

with Bonnie

David Ciminello

9.1

Earthy, no fruit. Med bodied. Great with short ribs. — 7 years ago