Napa

Jackson Family Wines’ Washington Gambit: A Strategic Shift in Cabernet

Jackson Family Wines’ Washington Gambit: A Strategic Shift in Cabernet

Here’s what you need to know: Jackson Family Wines didn’t just stumble into Washington. For three decades, the Napa-based label has built its reputation on calculated moves—starting with Oregon’s Pinot Noir boom, then pivoting to Cabernet Sauvignon. When climate change and wildfires forced a rethink, the family’s answer wasn’t panic but precision. Their 2022 acquisition of Skysill Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley wasn’t a gamble; it was a masterstroke. The decision wasn’t born of hype. “We didn’t make any wine in 2020,” explains Chris Carpenter, JFW’s Napa Cabernet lead. “That’s when we started seriously considering alternatives.” The Blue Mountains’ cooling…
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Demystifying Wine Scores: Why Two Wines with the Same Score Can Have Different Prices

Demystifying Wine Scores: Why Two Wines with the Same Score Can Have Different Prices

You've probably stumbled upon two wines with identical scores but vastly different price tags. It's baffling, right? But fear not! Let's unravel this wine-tasting mystery together. At Wine Spectator, all wines undergo blind tastings where the producer and price are concealed. Wines are grouped according to their grape varieties, vintages, and appellations. For instance, 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets and 2024 Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are tasted separately. This setup ensures that the wines are judged based on their quality irrespective of the producer or price tag. 1. Wine tastings are blind, meaning the producer and price aren't disclosed during the evaluation…
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