Jamieson Ranch Double Lariart J Cabernet Sauvignon

Jamieson Ranch Double Lariat J Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied Napa Valley red wine bottled at 15% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2013 vintage earned 94 points from Robert Parker and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, while the 2016 vintage captured a Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — placing this label among the more critically recognized wines in its tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Sirah  |  Winery: Jamieson Ranch Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Jamieson Ranch Vineyards draws fruit for the Double Lariat J from mountain vineyards across distinguished Napa Valley appellations, including Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain. These high-elevation sites contribute bright acidity, concentrated tannin structure, and intense berry character. The wine undergoes barrel fermentation and spends 17 months aging in 40% new French oak barrels, which layers vanilla and toasted oak complexity into the fruit-driven core without overwhelming it.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe boysenberry and cassis lead, followed by waves of sweet toasted oak and dark vanilla. A backdrop of black cherry and savory baking spice rounds out the nose.

Taste: The palate opens with juicy dark berry fruit and blackcurrant, building toward a rich mid-palate where cassis intensity peaks alongside mocha and vanilla from the French oak aging. The 5% Petite Sirah addition adds density and color depth, while big, ripe tannins provide a broad yet surprisingly elegant structure.

Finish: Long and silky, with lingering notes of dark plum, sweet oak, and faint baking spice. The tannins resolve gracefully, leaving a polished impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Double Lariat J

Given its 15% ABV and concentrated structure, this wine shows best at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30 minutes of decanting to let the oak integration settle. Sipping neat allows the mountain-fruit intensity to express fully. For cocktail-adjacent serves: a Cabernet-based Sangria benefits from its dark fruit richness; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) gains extra depth from the wine's bold tannin backbone; and a simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water tames the alcohol while preserving the berry-forward character.

Best For

• Gifting a Napa Valley wine collector who appreciates mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon
• Anchoring a steak dinner with a wine that can stand up to richly marbled cuts
• Adding a critically acclaimed Napa Cab to a cellar for medium-term aging
• Pouring at a wine tasting focused on high-altitude California vineyards

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Double Lariat J taste like? Double Lariat J delivers concentrated dark berry fruit — boysenberry, blackcurrant, and plum — layered with vanilla, mocha, and toasted oak from 17 months in French barrels. The tannins are big and ripe but finish silky rather than aggressive.

How does Double Lariat J compare to Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are rich, fruit-forward Napa Valley Cabernets, but Double Lariat J incorporates 5% Petite Sirah for added color and density, while Caymus is typically a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Double Lariat J's use of 40% new French oak also leans toward more restrained toast and spice compared to Caymus's generally lusher, more opulent oak profile.

Is Double Lariat J good for sipping neat? Yes — the wine's layered complexity, silky tannin structure, and long finish make it well-suited for drinking on its own, particularly after brief decanting to let the French oak and fruit fully integrate.

Where is Double Lariat J made? Double Lariat J is produced by Jamieson Ranch Vineyards in Napa Valley, California, using fruit sourced from mountain vineyards in the Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain appellations.

What foods pair well with Double Lariat J? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's bold tannins and dark fruit concentration. Braised short ribs mirror its richness and mocha undertones. Aged cheddar or Gruyère highlight the vanilla and toasted oak notes. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its savory baking spice character. Dark chocolate desserts align well with the cassis and plum finish.

What sizes does Double Lariat J come in? Double Lariat J is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Double Lariat J worth the price? Double Lariat J positions as a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and its consistent critical recognition — including 94 points from Robert Parker and multiple gold medals — supports strong value relative to other mountain-sourced Napa Cabs at this quality level.

Why Double Lariat J?

What separates Double Lariat J from the crowded field of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is its mountain vineyard sourcing from Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain — appellations prized for producing wines with structural intensity and bright natural acidity. The deliberate inclusion of 5% Petite Sirah is more than a blending footnote; it contributes measurable depth of color and mid-palate weight that pure Cabernet bottlings at this level often lack. A track record of scores at 90 points and above across multiple vintages from outlets including Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker confirms the consistency of this label. For drinkers seeking a Napa Cab that balances power with polish, the Double Lariat J delivers on both fronts without relying on excessive new oak or overripeness.