John Anthony Vineyards

Crafted from the aged Merlot vines of Crane Vineyard that John planted in 1996, this single-vineyard Merlot has a ruby hue in the glass that hints at its depth and vibrancy.  Aromas unfold with notes of spiced cherry, herbs, and a hint of espresso, leading into fruit-forward flavors of mixed berry pie. The wine drinks beautifully, with a smooth entry and a medium to long finish. Aged for 22 months in 67% new French oak. Less than 55 cases available.

"Spiced but juicy, this full-bodied merlot offers rich dark-berry character, together with hints of ground cloves, licorice and burnt orange. The tannins are fine-textured, yet show some tightness in the firm, lingering finish." 91 Points - James Suckling

Calistoga Vineyard is John Anthony’s northernmost estate, where warmer temperatures and rocky soils shape the intensity of the fruit. In this single-vineyard 2020 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon, ruby hues yield to round aromas of dried blackberry and cranberry. On the palate, flavors of chocolate-dipped strawberries, raisins, and buttery berry compote evoke the richness of a freshly baked cobbler. A velvety texture carries the wine effortlessly across the palate, with a softness that speaks to its readiness. Aged for 28 months in 70% new French oak barrels. 312 cases produced.

"Savory and spice-driven aromas of red currants, cedar, black cherry liqueur and licorice. The palate is mid-weighted with fine tannins and a rustic yet pleasant finish. A lot to like. Drink now." 91 Points - James Suckling

Deep garnet hues with aromas of cranberry, cassis, and black cherry, anchored by notes of  forest floor, marjoram, and cardamom. Flavors of black raspberry, mission fig, and spiced pomegranate are complemented by Mexican chocolate, leather, and sweet spices. A firm palate evolves with brooding tannins and a lingering finish. Aged for 28 months in 75% new French oak. Only 196 cases produced.

"Aromas of cassis, blackberries, plums, cedar, tobacco and spices. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity, showing black currants, dark cherries, olives and graphite. Concentrated yet fresh, with good depth and balance and a long, savory finish. Drink or hold." 92 Points - James Suckling

"Nestled in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, R&D Vineyard produces Cabernet Sauvignons with impressive depth. Rich red with hints of blue and garnet, aromas of Chambord, cherries jubilee, fresh herbs, cedar, and crushed stone lead to flavors of cassis, black raspberry, black cherry, and bay leaf. Round, dense, and firm, it evolves evenly with a slow build and a crescendo of fruit, spice, and tannin. Aged for 28 months in 60% new French oak. Only 250 cases available."

"Our first release from a micro-estate adjacent to the home of John Anthony Truchard, prized for its distinct position in the Los Carneros AVA. Deep garnet hues anticipate classic cool-climate aromas of briar fruits, lavender, cracked pepper and cured meat. A high-toned entry leads to enveloping flavors of black cherry, huckleberry and Lucques olive with accents of graphite and smoked game. Tightly wound tannins crescendo with feathery breadth on the finish. A powerfully elegant wine that inaugurates a new era for John Anthony Syrah."

Vintage Notes: Mild weather created ideal conditions at the start of the 2020 growing season, with an early bud break prompted by a relatively dry winter. A warm summer in Napa Valley found moderation in Los Carneros by way of marine breezes from San Pablo Bay. The Syrah crop was marked by small berries that ensured notable structure and concentration.

“The tiny four-acre Coombsville Vineyard produces powerful and expressive fruit. Head trained, spur pruned and dry farmed, its vines produce limited yields of the highest quality—worthy of our single vineyard collection. The 2019 presents dark, brooding hues in the glass. Deep blackberry, pluot and blue fruit aromas are accentuated by notes of dried herbs and graphite. The blue and black fruit impressions continue on the palate, accompanied by blue flowers, pepper and gravelly soil. An immensely cellar-worthy wine that delivers power, depth and structure on the finish. Aged for 28 months in 70 percent new French oak barrels, only 250 cases produced.”

"Deep and savory with aromas of blackberries, black plums, graphite, tobacco leaves and baking spices. The palate is full-bodied and compact with dense dark fruit, firm tannins and a mineral edge that drives the long, spice-laced finish. Starting to show its age. Drink now." 91 Points - James Suckling

"Despite being less than one acre, the Hermitage clone at Crane Vineyard continues to be the dominant force in this vineyard-designated syrah. Classic varietal aromas lead the way: dark fruits, lilac, cedar, charcuterie and herbs de Provençe. Dense flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry and black cherry expand with accents of smoked game, dark earth, graphite and cardamom. Grainy tannins bring the wine to a resounding conclusion. A tour-de-force syrah from one of the first vineyards John planted in the Oak Knoll District nearly 25 years ago. "
 

"The debut vintage of this cabernet sauvignon from the Calistoga AVA, Napa Valley comes from deep, fertile slopes of our small, 10-acre estate in the northeastern Calistoga benchlands. Red winter fruit aromas of plum and pomegranate are tinged with hints of tobacco leaf and old leather. The palate is focused with cassis, wild blue flowers and dusty minerality opening to brambly berries, cocoa nib and holiday spices. The texture is sturdy with dusty tannins and a broad, enveloping finish."

"Blueberry, blackberry, pomegranate puree and crushed violet aromas. Inky and sumptuous. Blood orange and exotic spices comingle with rainbow peppercorns and smoked game meats. This syrah is rich and round with a youthful energy. It delivers powerfully with strong and silky tannins that lead to a nearly unending finish. The Crane Vineyard syrah."

"This is the first single vineyard release of our popular Oak Knoll District Syrah, now sourced exclusively from two acres within the Crane Vineyard. Dark fruit aromas and classic Rhone spice. Flavors are fresh and rich in plum and berry with sassafras and savory spice. A powerful wine with structure and great length."