Jayson (Napa Valley) 2009

Dinner tonight was a very simple steak with potatoes, which to my mind is classic Napa Cabernet territory. The 2009 Jayson red wine is a proprietary blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec. I opened and decanted the Jayson about an hour before dinner, which allowed it plenty of time to open and evolve. A very pretty color shading from purple to ruby. Huge bouquet. Blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, and nutmeg. On the palate, it was smooth and silky with soft tannins. Perfectly balanced. Most wineries would be proud to have this as their reserve, let alone their second wine. Grade: 93