97pts Jeb Dunnuck

One of my favorites in the lineup, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon SJ Ranch checks in as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 22 months in 85% new barrels. It is just pure, classic Cabernet Sauvignon all the way, giving up a dense purple color, full-bodied aromas and flavors of cassis, tobacco, violets, chocolate, and lead pencil, flawless balance, building tannins, and a sensational finish. As with the Del Rio, it's the overall balance and purity that set it apart. Bravo!

95pts Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon SJ Ranch Vineyard from Alexander Valley has a medium ruby-purple color and layered aromas of red and black currants and wafts of aniseed, mint chocolate, cedar and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with ideal ripeness and good lift, finishing with classy new oak spices.

95pts Wine Enthusiast

Floral in lavender and cassis, this well-structured, lengthy and concentrated wine comes with richer undertones of bacon fat and game. Densely layered, it displays considerable lushness and intensity that remain complex and compelling throughout.

94pts Vinous

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon SJ Ranch offers up a compelling mélange of dark red cherry, plum, mocha, leather and tobacco. This dark, vibrant Alexander Valley Cabernet has a quite a bit to offer, starting with its complex, multidimensional personality and vibrant feel.

Winemaker : Jesse Katz

Winery Notes

This small-production offering showcases generous aromas of raspberry jam, dark plum, rose petals, sagebrush, and cigar box, the 2018 SJ Ranch demonstrates bold, rich fruit highlighted with delicate floral qualities. The fruit hails exclusively from SJ Ranch Vineyard, a 7.9-acre parcel at the top of Chalk Hill, directly adjacent to the legendary Verité vineyards on Thomas Road.

Wine is an artistic expression as personal and universal as photography. Andy made his name as one of the greatest photographers of his generation, and his work graces coffee-table books, galleries, and album covers around the globe. While he was traveling the world for his art, he made a point of bringing along his son, Jesse, to experience it all with him. Over the years, they both benefited from an international wine education that even master sommeliers would envy—sipping with Olivier Leflaive and his family, working through the famous wine cellar of Cheval Blanc and in a late-night tasting of Sassicaia.