From the Jax estate, an 2.5ha site of silty loam soils at the base of Mt. St. Helena, in Calistoga. Aged 21 months in 50% new French oak. Terrifically fruit-forward. Fragrant dark berry fruit with sweet cedar notes. The fruit-forward style with a softer, more lush tannin profile comes from growing in Calistoga, though there are plenty of grape-skin tannins that come from the warmth up-valley. The location of the site allows for cool mornings and evenings. But the warmth of the day helps ripen those skin tannins, while that book-ended coolness factor layers in freshness. It's a fantastically plush and layered red at a tremendous value price. In 2012, Dan Parrott became a proprietor of the Jax brand and began working with winemaker Kirk Venge.
93 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (May 2024)
A fruity and well-made cabernet sauvignon expressing aromas of dark berries, dried herbs, bay leaves and hints of cola. It’s full-bodied and rich with plush tannins. Generous and opulent with dark berries and chocolate in the finish. Better after 2025.
92 points, James Suckling (Dec 2023)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Cabernet Franc in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. Scents of creme de cassis, baked plums, and boysenberry preserves soar from the glass, leading to hint of mint tea, dark chocolate, and black olives. The full-bodied palate is full-on fruity with a soft texture and balancing freshness, finishing with a minty lift.
92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Nov 2023)