March 6, 2023 - In a perfect place, forward dark fruits, black currants, blackberry, well integrated tannins, balanced, elegant, just what you want in a Cali Cab, has many years to go
May 19, 2021 - I was the last to review this two years ago almost to the day, and was amazed that this wine has actually gotten better. Not much to add since the last note, but still wonderful fruit backbone enveloped by excellent secondary notes of leather, earth, and tobacco. This producer never misses the mark - just terrific. The CJ is still a relative value for those not wanting to splurge on his single vineyard offerings.
May 16, 2019 - One of my favorite producers from California, this wine is showing well right now - I'd rate it exactly at peak drinking now. Displays a medium red color with just a slight hint of bricking, right where you'd expect it to be now. Strong elements of fruit on the nose, dark berry, fig, chocolate, followed by some very nice sweet tannin. On the finish, the alcohol leaves a bit of "heat" which caused me to shave off a point or so but the subtlety of the finish with interesting notes of rose petal and violets redeemed this a bit. This producer (who is French) usually creates more of a Bordeaux style wine, but I didn't find that here. No mistaking this for a great California cab.
October 25, 2018 - Looks the part, feels the part in the mouth.. onctuous... dark berry, chocolate... tasty
April 12, 2015 - my wife and i really enjoyed this - would def buy again if we found it as it has a solid QPR. yummy wine with floral hints on those nose - full bodied and jammy - smooth, long finish. Has some Bordeaux like structure to it and a slightly more elevated acidity to it. very very enjoyable.
September 19, 2013 - Pleasant cab..
July 20, 2013 - A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petite Verdot. Pop and pour at Salt’s Cure West Hollywood with braised pork shoulder and grits. Strange vegetal prune nose with tannic hints of vanilla, oak, and blueberry (on the palate also). Not as strong of showing a previous 2005 CJ bottles but still great for the price.
June 1, 2013 - Great mouthfeel and finish. Sweet chocolate, tart berry and boysenberry. Very nice, great with meatballs and crusty bread.
January 24, 2012 - Drinking well. Not much on the nose, but the taste is fantastic. Chocolate, mint, berry with medium to long finish. Great wine for the price.
August 20, 2011 - Good up front fruit, tannins have stabilized, medium 10 to15 second pallat. Wonderfull wine with the Rottiseri Beef roast we had.