Made by the talented Kirk Venge, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon JAX Estate Block 3 is all from a site in Calistoga and spent 21 months in new French oak. This inky hued effort gives up a complex nose of blackberries, blueberries, sage, leafy tobacco, and chocolate that develops beautifully with time in the glass. This carries to a dense, concentrated, classic 2021 with plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, beautiful purity, and a great finish.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2023)
Dark chocolate and dried blueberry aromas lead to uber-ripe fruits, cocoa and a touch of oak char on the palate of this big, rich wine. Massive tannins are softened by the sweet-seeming flavors and contribute to a full, broad texture. Best from 2025–2032.
94 points, Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast (Apr 2024)
Deep garnet-purple in color, the single-varietal 2021 Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon features intense scents of juicy plums, black raspberries, and blueberries plus suggestions of cassis, rose oil, and fertile loam with a touch of wild sage. The full-bodied palate is laden with black berry flavors and fragrant spice and floral accents, supported by grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
94 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Nov 2023)
The top wine from Jax is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Block 3, aged in 100% new French oak. Cassis, blueberry, cedar and vanilla notes mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate offers a bit more concentration and texture than the other estate wines, finishing long and velvety. 175 cases produced.
93 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Dec 2023)
A plush and well-balanced red with blackberries, dark plums, sandalwood and dried spices. It’s full-bodied with plush tannins. Fleshy texture with a creamy core of ripe dark fruit and a muscular frame throughout. Focused finish with excellent length. Try after 2025.
93 points, James Suckling (Dec 2023)