92pts Wine Enthusiast

Cocoa powder, tobacco and blackened spices combine with sweet, dark fruits in a Cabernet Franc of bold flavors, a concentrated and generous full body, lightly grippy, fine tannins and a lingering finish. 

92pts James Suckling

A plush, broad texture envelops fresh, juicy flavors of berries and black cherries with savory accents of olives and bay leaves. Full-bodied, moderately tannic but not difficult to sip and enjoy. Drink now or hold.

90pts Jeb Dunnuck

Looking at the 2022 Cabernet Franc Jax Estate, this 100% Cabernet Franc (22 months in 75% new French oak) offers darker blue fruits, sappy herbs, violets, and graphite notes intermixed with leather-like nuances. Medium-bodied and elegant on the palate, with juicy acidity and a pretty, seamless character, it should drink well over the coming 8-10 years.

Winemaker Notes

Sourced from a mere half acre of the Jax Vineyard, our Cabernet Franc is merely a 4 barrel lot. This  100% single varietal Cabernet Franc showcases intense aromatic notes of Ranier cherry with generous layers of blueberry, dark plum on the palette. We coin this "Our Vineyard Gem."

Our vineyard clusters were handpicked, sorted and cold-soaked immediately. Following fermentation, this wine was aged for 21 months in 75% French oak. The Calistoga terroir shines through in the Cabernet Franc’s rich aromatics and long finish, all accompanied by the structured tannins and French oak accents.

Winemaker : Kirk Venge