Jones Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Jones Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is a hillside estate Cabernet blend from Calistoga, Napa Valley, in a standard 750ml bottle at approximately 14.8% ABV. Antonio Galloni described the 2013 as "rich, juicy and accessible," noting it "captures the energy of the vintage in spades," while James Suckling called the wine "very pretty and complex."

Quick Facts: ABV: ~14.8%  |  Origin: Calistoga AVA, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2013  |  Producer: Jones Family Vineyards  |  Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown

Production & Heritage

Jones Family Vineyards farms ten acres across three distinct vineyard blocks at the base of Howell Mountain, roughly five miles north of St. Helena in the Calistoga AVA. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown — one of Napa Valley's most sought-after talents — works alongside vineyard manager Jim Barbour and legendary grower David Abreu to keep yields deliberately low across the hillside estate. The three separate blocks produce individual lots with distinct flavor profiles, which are blended to create a wine of layered complexity that reflects both the warm Calistoga climate and the site's mountain-influenced soils.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Opulent and inviting, with ripe black cherry, cassis, and lavender rising first. Deeper layers of chocolate, nutmeg, and graphite emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is broad and concentrated, led by black currant and crushed blueberry fruit. Mid-palate, baking spices and anise weave through rich mocha tones, supported by a vein of crushed rock minerality that adds tension and structure. Supple, well-integrated tannins carry the dark fruit without heaviness.

Finish: Long and structured, with lingering cassis and espresso-like depth. The tannins firm up gradually, leaving a savory, mineral-driven close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Jones Family 2013

This wine is best served at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and benefits from at least 30 minutes in a decanter to let the aromatics fully unfold. With over a decade of age behind it, the 2013 drinks beautifully on its own, though a splash of air continues to reveal new nuances across an evening.

Best For

• Collecting age-worthy Napa Cabernet from a benchmark vintage
• Pairing with a special dinner of grilled prime rib or braised short ribs
• Gifting a serious wine enthusiast who appreciates small-production Napa estates
• Opening on a milestone anniversary or celebration where the 2013 vintage holds personal significance

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jones Family 2013 taste like? The dominant profile is concentrated dark fruit — black currant, cassis, and blueberry — layered with mocha, baking spices, and a distinctive crushed rock minerality. Structured tannins and balanced acidity give the wine both power and elegance.

How does Jones Family 2013 compare to Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet? Both wines come from the Calistoga AVA, but Jones Family is produced from just ten acres of hillside fruit with extremely limited yields, resulting in a more concentrated, small-lot style. Chateau Montelena's Estate Cabernet is a larger-production Calistoga benchmark that tends toward a more classically structured, age-worthy profile.

Is Jones Family 2013 good for drinking now? Yes — with over a decade of bottle age, the 2013 has developed complexity while retaining its core fruit and structure, making it an excellent choice for current enjoyment with decanting.

Where is Jones Family 2013 made? Jones Family Vineyards is located in the Calistoga AVA at the northern end of Napa Valley, California, with estate vineyards situated at the base of Howell Mountain approximately five miles north of St. Helena.

What foods pair well with Jones Family 2013? Grilled ribeye steak brings out the wine's dark fruit and savory minerality. Braised lamb shanks with rosemary complement its baking spice character. Aged Gouda or Comté echo its nutty, concentrated qualities. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the mocha and cassis tones, while mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, graphite undertones.

What sizes does Jones Family 2013 come in? The Jones Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Jones Family 2013 worth the price? Jones Family positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier of Napa Valley Cabernet, justified by its tiny estate production, the pedigree of winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, and the involvement of David Abreu in vineyard management — names that command respect among serious collectors.

Why Jones Family 2013?

The 2013 vintage in Napa Valley is widely regarded as one of the decade's finest, and this wine captures that quality through the lens of a focused, hillside Calistoga estate. Thomas Rivers Brown's winemaking, paired with David Abreu's viticultural expertise, represents a level of collaboration rarely seen outside Napa's most celebrated cult labels. With only ten acres under vine and three distinct blocks contributing to the final blend, production is inherently limited. The result is a wine that earned critical praise — including a 91-point score — for its combination of ripe power, mineral complexity, and aging potential.