John Anthony Vineyards

“Epps Vineyard is the smallest of our Oak Knoll District estates at just under two acres—a coveted micro-site that yields exceptionally elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich, ruby hues set the tone. A deep bouquet of currant and dried raspberry reveals hints of mocha, stone and sweet pipe tobacco. Flavors of savory berry compote, cherry and rhubarb carry trailing notes of leather, toffee, loam and cardamom. A light, dusty entry gains a firm grip on the mid-palate, all finishing with breadth, stature and balance. This vintage marks our second ultra-limited vineyard designate from this essential John Anthony estate. Aged for 28 months in 70 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”

"Covering a mere two and a half acres of gravelly, bench-land soils in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, GnR Vineyard produces low yields of intensely flavored Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark purple hues in the glass hold captivating aromas of black fruits, macerated strawberries, and a tinge of earthiness. The palate intensifies with notes of dried red berries, pluots, and a savory blend of fresh spices. This Cabernet Sauvignon showcases an excellent progression from light to weighty creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Aged for 28 months in 71% new French oak barrels. Only 150 cases produced."

"The 2018 vintage is the debut release of the GnR Vineyard single-vineyard cabernet sauvignon. Planted to clones 7 and 337 in east to west rows in 2003 on less-than-three acres of gravelly, loam soils in the Oak Knoll District. The two clones bring intensity and suppleness to the wine. Aromas of chocolate-covered strawberries, dark-red fruit and peppermint. The texture is broad and expansive on the palate with ripe blackberries and raspberries unfolding with notes of graphite, rose petals, spiced coffee and fresh, savory herbs."

“R/D Vineyard spans less than four acres of rich, volcanic soils in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, notable for producing Cabernet Sauvignons that are energetic and highly textured. The 2019 vintage boasts a deep, ruby-garnet color in the glass. A seductive nose suggests blackberry pudding and fig compote with hints of savory spice, anise, white truffle and earth. A heady entry delivers dark red fruits, late summer cherry and marionberry with impressions of confectioner spices, dried violets, cedar and gravelly stone. The mid-palate intensity yields to finesse and length on the finish. This vintage marks our second ultra-limited vineyard designate from this essential John Anthony estate. Aged for 28 months in 75 percent new French oak barrels, only 150 cases produced.”

The John Anthony Reserve Merlot is selected from the best barrels of the vintage. Sourced from Crane Vineyard, this estate was the first vineyard John planted in 1996. Deep ruby-purple tones in the glass with aromas of pluots, apriums, fragrant rose petals, and tarragon. The palate is vibrant with red plum, huckleberry, and macerated strawberries. Cocoa nib and fresh tobacco notes add complexity and depth. A dense fruit core and chewy tannins unwind into a refined finish. Aged for 20 months in 67% new French oak. Only 75 cases available.

"The twenty-five year old vines I planted in 1996 on the Crane Vineyard continue to produce merlot with expressive maturity. Raspberry bread pudding, mint and mocha aromas. The fruit is powerful and well complemented with spice, displaying energy and elegance. Notable structure in this vintage. Layered flavors of black cherry, blueberry compote and dried pomegranate with baking spices, blue flowers and cocoa. The tannins soften to round edges on the palate, giving way to a silky finish."

“A special barrel selection from a micro-block of the Hermitage Clone at Crane Vineyard—one of the first estates John planted nearly 25 years ago. This wine’s rich, inky hue foreshadows the experience to come. Dark brambleberry aromas are interlaced with notes of cured meat, dried  black olive and savory herbs. The mouthfeel is saturated with brooding dark fruits and commanding structure, showing flavors of pomegranate, fig, cracked pepper, loamy earth and smoked game—all converging into an elegantly weighted and persistent finish. A cellar-worthy Syrah that will endure and reward for years to come. Aged for 20 months in 60-percent new French oak barrels, only 100 cases produced.”

The John Anthony Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is selected from the best of the vintage across our estates. The 2020 vintage leads with fruit from the head-trained, dry-farmed vines at Coombsville Vineyard, complemented by fruit sourced from the rocky, hillside terrain of Twisted Oak Vineyard. Rich bold aromas of crème de cassis and black currant are tinged with cedar, crushed stone, and bay leaf. Powerful bright red fruit flavors lead to a rich, dense core of ripe blackberry, baking spice, and vanilla with hints of lilac and sweet pine adding depth and complexity. The texture is soft and round with beautifully integrated tannins reminiscent of the acclaimed 2012 vintage. Aged for 28 months in 70% new French oak barrels. Less than 50 cases produced.

“This John Anthony Reserve is our finest cabernet sauvignon expression from the 2018 vintage, selected and blended from exemplary barrels. For the 2018 vintage we selected fruit predominantly from the head-trained, dry-farmed vines at Coombsville Vineyard, with a complement from the rocky, hillside terrain of Twisted Oak Vineyard. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry and black fig yield to cherry woodsmoke and star anise. Flavors of blackberry cobbler, sunned boysenberry and cassis reveal hints of violet, licorice and pencil lead. Polished tannins evolve with energy into a long, expansive finish. Ample structure and acidity promise to reward careful aging."