92 Points - Wine Spectator. The Jayson Red Wine was produced from grapes from a selection of prime sites in and around Atlas Peak in eastern Napa. Hailing from the outstanding 2021 vintage, a year noted for its opulence, this blend of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon is wonderfully full and plump. The grapes were hand-picked and hand-sorted before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel tanks to enhance its fresh fruit profile and retain its bright acidity. The wine was then racked into French oak barrels, 58% of which were new, for 15 months of ageing. The resulting wine has more than a passing resemblance to a fine red Graves but with more generosity to the fruit character and less minerality.
Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Aug 2025)
Wine Press Ratings
92 Points - Wine Spectator
Taste
The Jayson Red Wine's high proportion of Merlot gives it an immediacy and a slightly exotic character, while Cabernet adds structure and depth. Still very deeply coloured, the nose is that classic Merlot mix of plums, cherries, violets, and chocolate. On the palate it is luscious, weighty and plump. Flavours of red and black cherries, stewed plums, and boysenberries take centre stage but are given great support from the blackcurrant, green pepper, clove and pencil lead tones of the Cabernet. Enjoy this now with charcuterie, roast duck or pheasant, or tomato-rich dishes and fresh pasta, or cellar for another five years.
Blend: 76% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Winemakers Tasting Notes
"Balance in the vineyard is crucial for our red varietals, and I carefully restrict yields and manage canopies to create just the right dappled sunlight to achieve ideal ripeness. In the cellar, I start with a core of ripe, concentrated mountaintop fruit, and seek out blending components to turn up the wine to its fullest potential – really plush, concentrated, and fruit driven. Like that first '93 blending session, I'm going by feel, ac...