Andrea Watt

9.1

Light and fresh with citrus and kiwi over honeysuckle and cheese. — 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Primarily (83%) Cabernet Sauvignon with some other Bordeaux varietals blended in. Pleasant aromas of violets, roses, black currant/black berry. Dark cooked fruit flavors with hints of soy sauce and beef jerky. Pleasant touch of oak on the finish. Fresh acidity. Good balance. Pleasant surprise. — 4 years ago

Jason

9.2

Pretty good. Slight bitter taste in there somewhere but aerate it and that subsides. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Our first bottling from this small production family winery in Calistoga.

My first impressions of this wine, it’s a classic older Calistoga Cabernet. It’s nicely resolved but, not at the end of its life as some have predicted. It is a shade past its prime but, drinking nicely with the exception it’s a touch hot, even after all this time in bottle and when temp’s were not pushing alcohol levels like they can now. However, heat aside, I enjoy wines just the other side of their prime and beyond. Brings out additional complexity-characteristics and are infinitely more interesting.

The nose reveals, stewed & baked fruits of; blackberries, black plum, black cherry extract, black raspberries with some deep blue fruits. Loads of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Dark spice, dark chocolate, sweet tarriness, mocha, caramel, walnut shells, anise to black licorice, steeped, dark fruit teas, mint/eucalyptus, dry crushed rocks, leather, tobacco, graphite, used charcoal, dark liqueur and cola, dry herbs with dark, red, blue, purple, fresh & withering flowers accented with lavender.

The body is rich, lush, ruby, statin, velvety and thick. The tannins are rounded & softened but, still speaking loudly. The structure, tension, length and balance are in a very good place. This wine has legs to stand for another 5-10 years depending on how you enjoy them. Stewed, candied & baked fruits of; blackberries, black plum, black cherry extract, black raspberries deep blue fruits, purple fruit blend, haunting raspberries with poached strawberries as it sets. Loads of baking spices; clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Dark spice with good palate heat, dark chocolate, sweet tarriness, mocha, caramel, walnut shells, anise to black licorice, steeped, dark fruit teas, mint/eucalyptus, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, slightly, moist clay, pronounced, fine volcanic minerals, leather, tobacco, graphite, used charcoal, dark liqueur and cola, dry herbs with dark, red, blue, purple, fresh & withering flowers accented with lavender. The acidity is round & exquisite. The long finish is; well balanced fruit & earth, very complexity, rich, delicious and persists endlessly.

Photos of; Stephanie Jones Bailey, Rick and Elaine Jones, Estate view, their Cabernet fruit close to harvest and vineyard staff managing fruit clusters & leafing.

Producer notes...they were founded in 1996. Jones Family Vineyards specializes in estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Thomas Rivers Brown makes their wines, two Cabernet wines...Jones Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and The Sisters. TRB also makes an extremely limited production of aged Sauvignon Blanc that is cellared for over 3 years in barrel and bottle.

Jones Family has ten acres of south facing vineyards that lie 600 to 800 feet off the valley floor, resting above the fog line, an ideal altitude for growing Cabernet in the Napa Valley area.

@Paul T- Huntington Beach FYI. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Boars’ View “The Coast” Pinot Noir 2018
Fort Ross–Seaview AVA, Sonoma Coast, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Handcrafted by Thomas Rivers Brown at the dramatic West Sonoma Coast site, this Pinot Noir highlights maritime fog, Goldridge loam soils, and heritage clones. The 2018 “Coast” includes 100% heritage clones—Calera, Mt. Eden, and Swan—meticulously fermented and aged to express both elegance and power.  

Aromas & Flavors
Plush and aromatic: expect cranberry compote, lavender, sandalwood, and hints of violet. On the palate, it delivers black cherry, plum paste, nutmeg, quince, forest floor, and licorice—all layered over a finely tuned mineral edge.  

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined. Silky tannins and well-integrated acidity support rich fruit without heaviness. A harmonious finish unfolds with persistence and grace.  

Winemaking Notes
Destemmed fruit underwent fermentation and then aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new, from François Frères, Remond, and Gauthier cooperages. The result is focused power with nuanced oak influence.  

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled duck, game birds, roasted pork, or truffle-scented risotto. Its depth and savory complexity also pair beautifully with hearty stews or mushroom-forward dishes. 

Verdict
Boars’ View “The Coast” PINOT NOIR 2018 is a masterclass in West Coast Pinot—intensely flavorful, texturally rich, and meticulously crafted. A cellar-worthy wine with both grace and longevity. A rare Napa-level Pinot Noir priced in the $145–160 range. Cheers! — 3 months ago

Leah Weisman

8.9

A little buttery on the nose but fruity and light on the palate. Under $15 at Total Wine — 4 years ago

with Brent

carl thornblade

8.9

Nice but subdued overall. Expected more for the price. — 9 months ago

Eric Jasso

9.0

Perhaps too young at 9? Cranberry almost orange creamsicle like nose with thicker jammy body notes of licorice all throughout and a sharp finish — 2 years ago

Laith A

9.4

Arguably a good value!! Liked it quite a bit!! — 4 years ago

MaJ CappS

9.0

Smells of fresh pressed honey crisp apples - skin and all..
Cocoa, mint, fresh ground coffee, darkness lies in this wine in so many ways. So many wonderful ways. Dense and thick, tingling acidity, with well engulfed tannins.
Lovely.
— 5 years ago