News and Reviews
7 Stellar Cabernet Sauvignons From Napa Valley’s Rutherford AVA
As a legendary winemaker once said, “It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.”
Published on May 2, 2024
By MIKE DESIMONE AND JEFF JENSSEN
At the center of Napa Valley, the Rutherford AVA is situated between St. Helena to the north and Oakville to the south. Half of its 7,000 acres are covered with grapevines. Cabernet Sauvignon is the big winner here with more than 70 percent of the total plantation, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Around 300 acres are planted with white varieties including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Elevations range from 172 feet at the valley floor to over 500 feet in the Vaca Range and Mayacamas Mountains. The oldest winery in the region is Inglenook, which was lovingly restored by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. It was founded in 1879 and is the oldest continuously bonded winery in the AVA. The second oldest winery is Beaulieu Vineyard which was founded in 1900.
We tasted hundreds of Rutherford AVA wines and many of them exhibited the famous “Rutherford Dust” first mentioned by legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff who said, “It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.” While numerous people think he was talking about the terroir and climate of Rutherford, many critics feel he was talking about the powdery tannins exhibited in many of these wines. For us, Rutherford Dust is a combination of both. Here are seven excellent wines we have enjoyed reviewing for you this week.
J Moss 2016 Mee Lane Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley California
Originally from Dallas, James Moss learned about fine wine while working for a wine distributor and augmented his knowledge through multiple visits to Napa Valley. In 1998 he moved to California and followed his passion to become a winemaker. His 2016 Mee Lane Cab is drinking beautifully right now after seven years. It is concentrated violet in color and first hits the nose with whiffs of lifted eucalyptus and menthol. A deeper dive reveals heady fruit scents of red cherry, red plum, black raspberry, pomegranate, and dark chocolate. It has flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, black cherry, and clove set into a sturdy tannic structure with lingering flavors of pomegranate pith and dried sage in the persistent finish. California born but with European elegance and restraint. Drink now through 2028.
NAPA VALLEY ARTICLE – February 2024
James Moss reflects on the history, challenges of Black winemakers in the Napa Valley
napavalleyregister.com
PHOTOS: James Moss owner and winemaker of Napa’s J.Moss wines
James Moss provides a tasting to eighteen guests from around the country traveling with Adventure in Black Travel and Entertainment company.
napavalleyregister.com
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE 2024 WINE COMPETITION AWARDS
|
Wine |
Appellation/ Designation |
Vineyard |
Award |
|
2019 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Napa Valley |
Gold |
|
|
2019 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Coombsville |
Steffensen Vineyard |
Gold |
|
2019 J. Moss Red Blend |
Napa Valley |
Silver |
|
|
2018 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Napa Valley |
Silver |
|
|
2018 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Coombsville |
Steffensen Vineyard |
Double Gold |
|
2018 J. Moss Red Blend |
Napa Valley |
Silver |
|
|
2017 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Coombsville |
Steffensen Vineyard |
Double Gold |
|
2017 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Howell Mountain |
Eagle Summit Vineyard |
Gold |
|
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Napa Valley |
Proprietors Reserve |
Gold |
|
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Coombsville |
Steffensen Vineyard |
Silver |
|
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Rutherford |
Mee Lane Vineyard |
Gold |
|
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Napa Valley |
Best of Class |
|
|
2015 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Coombsville |
Steffensen Vineyard |
Silver |
|
2015 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon |
Rutherford |
Mee Lane Vineyard |
Silver |
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard 2019 Score: 93 Points
19 Sep, 2023 – Attractive nose of dark cherries, blueberries, blackberries and hints of cassis jelly. Full body with chewy tannins. Fruity and firm at the same time with plenty of succulent berries on the palate and a compact, focused finish. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019 Score: 91 Points
19 Sep, 2023 – Dark berries, earth, grilled herbs and warm spices on the nose follow through to a full body with firm tannins. Rich and vivid with an intense development of dried herbs, sweet berries and spices on the palate. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Napa Valley Red Blend 2019 Score: 90 Points
21 Sep, 2023 – A rich and creamy blend with a medium body and round tannins. Plush and full of berries, chocolate and oak spices. Velvety and generous with a dense, chocolaty finish. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 Score: 91 Points
8 Mar, 2023 – Aromas of blackcurrants and cherries with hints of walnut, cloves and licorice. Full-bodied with tight, chalky tannins and a plush, blue-fruited, juicy mid-palate. Attractive and vibrant with a fruity finish. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Napa Valley Red Blend 2018 Score: 90 Points
7 Mar, 2023 – Notes of ripe blackberries and cassis with black licorice, cherry chocolate and dried herbs. Full-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and velvety texture. Quite ripe and luscious with a rich, dark-fruited finish. Drink now.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard 2018 Score: 93 Points
8 Mar, 2023 – Notes of black and purple fruit with hints of cocoa, pine wood, lilac and dried blood orange. Full-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and an array of blueberries and blackcurrants with bright acidity. Impressive tension and length. Velvety finish. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard 2017 Score: 93 Points
13 Sep, 2022 – Ripe blackberries and currants on the nose, together with dried tree bark, spiced chocolate and dark olives. Full-bodied and nicely chewy on the palate, with bumper dark-berry fruit and a long finish. Drink or hold.
J. Moss California Steffensen Vineyard 2017 Score: 93 Points
13 Sep, 2022 – Ripe blackberries and currants on the nose, together with dried tree bark, spiced chocolate and dark olives. Full-bodied and nicely chewy on the palate, with bumper dark-berry fruit and a long finish. Drink or hold.
J. Moss California Eagle Summit Vineyard 2017 Score: 92 Points
13 Sep, 2022 – Some cocoa-bean savoriness to the plush blackberries, mint and cigar box on the nose. Rich and concentrated on the palate, showing chewy tannins and sweet blackberries. A touch of dark-chocolate bitterness at the end. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Eagle Summit Vineyard 2017 Score: 92 Points
13 Sep, 2022 – Some cocoa-bean savoriness to the plush blackberries, mint and cigar box on the nose. Rich and concentrated on the palate, showing chewy tannins and sweet blackberries. A touch of dark-chocolate bitterness at the end. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard 2016 Score: 92 Points
31 Dec, 2020 – A nice combination of chocolate and berry aromas and flavors with some walnut. Medium body, firm tannins and a medium chewy finish. Hint of jam at the end. Give it a few years to soften. Try after 2022.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Mee Lane Vineyard 2016 Score: 92 Points
31 Dec, 2020 – A typical 2016 with plenty of ripe fruit, yet it’s firm and well-framed with attractively ripe tannins that are formed and firm. It’s medium-to full-bodied. Delicious finish. Drink or hold.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Eagle Summit Vineyard 2016 Score: 92 Points
31 Dec, 2020 – Lots of ripe fruit with dried berry, chocolate and some walnut. It’s chewy and flavorful. Needs a couple of years to soften. Better after 2022.
J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Mee Lane Vineyard 2015 Score: 90 Points
15 Oct, 2018 – A big and rich red with full body, soft and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Very generous and a little overdone this year.
2019 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard Score: 91 Points
2019 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Score: 90 Points
2019 J. Moss Napa Valley Red Blend Score: 90 Points
2018 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Score: 87 Points
2018 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard Score: 88+ Points
2017 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard Score: 91 Points
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard Score: 90-92 Points
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Mee Lane Vineyard Score: 91-93 Points
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Eagle Summit Vineyard Score: 91-93 Points
2018 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard Score: 92 Points
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Eagle Summit Vineyard Score: 90-92 Points
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville Steffensen Vineyard Score: 86-88 Points
2016 J. Moss Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Mee Lane Vineyard Score: 87-89 Points
WINE SPECTATOR
Editors’ most Exciting New Wines – May 2021
Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Mee Lane 2016 – 92 points
This is solidly built, with a core of dark currant and fig preserves rolling through, lined with black licorice and carried by loam and singed cedar accents on the finish. A bit obvious in style, but should certainly have fans. Best from 2022 through 2032. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. —J.M.
ROBB REPORT
9 Stellar Wines to Drink With Your Pizza, From Italian Reds to Napa Cabs Your pie deserves a good vino.
Published on February 14, 2023
By MIKE DESIMONE AND JEFF JENSSEN
If we saved all of the “good” wine in our cellars for standout meals or special occasions, the majority of it would never be enjoyed. We are all for making any night of the week a special occasion, even if dinner consists of pizza, by opening an impressive bottle of wine. There’s a bit of a balancing act that goes on here; when it comes to pizza, wine should have enough acidity and freshness to hold up to tomato sauce in addition to medium to strong tannins that will cut through fatty cheese. Cabernet Sauvignon is a good choice, but if you’ve added spicy ingredients like pepperoni, sausage or Calabrian chilies, look for the softer tannins of wines made with Garnacha, Syrah, Merlot or Pinot Noir.
Pizza doesn’t always have to be a takeout affair. Many of us have specialized pizza ovens or high caliber ranges that can sublimely crisp a thin crust while expertly adding a touch of brown to melted mozzarella, and 00 Italian flour seems much easier to find in grocery stores or online these days. With no cardboard container in sight, we are thinking outside the pizza box and looking to regions other than Italy for wines that will pair perfectly with your next pizza.
J. Moss 2017 Steffensen Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville AVA Napa
Grapes for this delightful 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon were grown in the Steffensen Vineyard in Coombsville. They were hand harvested in October and fermented in open top vats with 2 or 3 punch downs per day. The wine was then aged in French barrels for 28 months. It is inky purple in the glass with aromas of black plum, dark cherries and a touch of crushed violet flowers. It is medium bodied on the palate with firm tannins and flavors of ripe dark fruits followed by a touch of cocoa powder in the finish.