Winemaker Notes -

" This wine is red-ruby in color. It has nicely developed ripe fruit aromas of blackberry and cherry with a hint of red licorice. In the mouth, it again shows ripeness as well as good length. The flavors are consistent with the aromas. Moderate oak level adds to the complexity without overpowering the fruit. It has some spiciness and sweet toasty oak in the mouth. Ripe Cabernet flavor is persistent and lasts several minutes. The balance of all the flavor components is quite good. An exciting wine from a challenging vintage."

- Heidi P. Barrett
Winemaker, Jones Family Vineyards

Reviews:
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (Issue #132, December 2000)
Rating: 89

" The Jones Family Vineyard offerings possess impressive pedigrees, with the vineyard having been developed by the blue chip manager David Abreu, and the wines made by acclaimed consultant Heidi Barrett. The 1998 is a flamboyant, soft, blueberry, plum, and mineral-scented effort with sweet oak in the background. Elegant rather than powerful, with sweet, chewy fruit, excellent purity, nicely integrated wood, and a lush, voluptuously textured finish, it is meant to be drunk now and over the next 12-15 years. "

James Laube – The Wine Spectator (October 31, 2001)
Rating: 92

One of the top ten California Cabernets of 1998. "A big, ripe, expressive style, with a wide range of rich, intense currant, anise, bay leaf, blackberry, cedar and tobacco. Long, complex, persistent aftertaste. Drink now through 2008. "