Reviews

The Wine Advocate, Issue Sept 30, 2019. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown

2016 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Rating 95 Release Price  $195. Drink Date 2019-2043

Producer:  Juslyn.  From California, Napa Valley.  Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate features pronounced cassis, blueberry pie and mulberry scents with wafts of dried mint, candied violets and tilled soil with a touch of fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of berry preserves flavors supported by a solid, grainy texture and lively backbone, finishing long and fragrant. Nice expression!

The Wine Advocate, Issue November, 2019. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown

2016 Juslyn Perry’s Blend Rating 92  Release Price  $95. Drink Date 2019-2033

Producer:  Juslyn.  From California, Napa Valley.  Variety:  Blend Source: November 2019

Composed of 66% Cabernet sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Perry's Blend springs from the glass with energetic notions of crushed blackcurrants, Morello cherries, black raspberries and menthol with touches of cinnamon stick, cloves, pencil shavings and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of youthful, vivacious fruit with a plush, finely grained texture and oodles of freshness, finishing with a lingering minty kick.

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

As proprietors Perry and Carolyn Butler move toward virtually all estate fruit from their 42 acres on the slopes of Spring Mountain, the quality of their wines has increased dramatically. Juslyn has been a solid performer for many years, but the most recent vintages exhibit a profound rise in quality, yet prices remain realistic for high end Napa wines

The Wine Advocate

2015 Juslyn • Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain97 point

Release Price $195 . Drink Date . 2019 - 2039 . .   ProducerJuslyn  FromUSA, California, North Coast, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain district . Variety Cabernet Sauvignon   SourceMid-October 2018, The Wine Advocate.:  Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain leaps from the glass with exuberant black cherries, mulberries and cassis plus violets, chocolate mint, underbrush and cigar box with wafts of tapenade and lavender. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and decadent, the palate is packed with perfumed black fruits with a fine-grained frame, finishing long and minerally.

The Wine Advocate

2015 Perry's Blend Rating 95 . .  Release Price$95Drink Date2019 - 2037

ProducerJuslyn  FromUSA, California, North Coast, Napa Valley . . .   VarietyProprietary Blend  Source Mid-October.  

The 2015 Perry's Blend is deep garnet-purple colored and reveals fragrant kirsch, stewed tea and rose scents with touches of sandalwood, preserved plums, blackberry pie and mulberries plus eucalyptus and tilled soil. The palate is full-bodied and boldly fruited with a firm, velvety frame and a very long, multilayered finish.- 

Robert Parker’s (Wine Advocate October 2013)2014 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 93 points“Sporting a deep garnet-purple color and nose of black currant cordial, dark chocolate and blackberry pie with hints of bay leaves, damp soil and pepper, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain is full and concentrated on the rich palate, with firm, grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and savory.

”2014 Juslyn Perry’s Blend, Spring Mountain Estate 93 points“Blended of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2014 Perry's Blend shows a medium garnet-purple color with a warm plums, blueberry preserves and spice cake nose plus hints of fallen leaves and pencil shavings. Taut and muscular on the firm, full-bodied palate, with good black fruit and earth expressions, it has an herbal lift to the finish.”- Robert Parker’s (Wine Advocate October 2017)

2013 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 94 points“A brilliant wine is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. This was aged two years in 75% new French oak. A beautiful wine from their estate vineyards on Spring Mountain, the wine has a deep ruby/purple color, an attractive nose of black raspberry and blackcurrant fruit with licorice, fruitcake and cedar wood. It is almost a Napa version of a classy Saint-Julien from Bordeaux. Medium to full-bodied and loaded with elegance and purity, this is a beauty to drink now and over the next 20- 25 years.”

2013 Juslyn Perry’s Blend, Spring Mountain Estate 93 points“The blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot is the 2013 Proprietary Red Perry’s Blend. This is an elegant, feminine style of wine with beautiful textured blueberry, black raspberry and black cherry fruit, judicious oak in the background, medium body and an attractive opulence and flesh. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2016)

2013 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Estate 92-94 points (barrel sample)“Still in barrel, the 2013 Perry’s Blend, which is dominated by 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, looks to be sensational again. Juslyn’s proprietary red is always a sexy, opulent style of wine, and even with less Merlot than the 2012, this one comes across with beautiful black currant and black cherry fruit, a hint of chocolate, stunning density, a voluptuous texture and a long, rich, heady finish. This will end up spending nearly 30 months in 50% new French oak before Perry and Carolyn Butler have it bottled. It’s a winner and will evolve for at least 15 or more years.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2015)

  2013 Juslyn Merlot Spring Mountain Estate 91 - 93 points (barrel sample)“A real winner, the dark ruby/purple-tinged, medium-bodied 2013 Merlot (only 100 cases produced) possesses dense, chocolaty, espresso and mocha characteristics intermixed with plenty of black cherry and plum fruit. This sexy, lush Merlot is best drunk in its first decade of life.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2014)

2012 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 92+ points“The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, which comes 100% from their estate high on Spring Mountain, is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot, aged two years in three-fourths new French oak and the rest second-year barrels. This wine displays sweet tannins and an elegant, almost St-Julien-like style, with cedar wood, licorice, black and red currants, and underlying earthy nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannin, beautiful complexity already, and a long, rich, authoritative finish, this wine exemplifies the forwardness and drama of the 2012 vintage, but promises to evolve beautifully for 15-20 more years.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2015)

2012 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 92 - 94 points (barrel sample)“The superb 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc) offers up aromas of forest floor, spring flowers, red and black currants and subtle oak, and a long, rich, medium to fullbodied mouthfeel. This exuberant as well as precise 2012 should drink well for 10-12 years.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2013)

  2012 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Estate 93 points“The proprietary red, a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 17% Cabernet Franc, is the 2012 Perry’s Blend. This was aged almost 30 months in 50% new French oak and 50% second-year barrels. Gorgeous aromatics of unsmoked cigar tobacco, spring flowers, black and red currants, a touch of raspberry and blueberry are followed by a sexy, delicious, lush, medium to full-bodied wine with beautiful balance, purity, and overall texture. This is hard to ignore, but then again, it is another very showy 2012. This wine should continue to drink well for 12-15 years at the minimum, but who has such patience?”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2015)

2012 Juslyn Perry’s Blend Spring Mountain Estate 90 – 92 points (barrel sample)“The 2012 Perry’s Blend Estate was slightly more closed than I remember from last year. A blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot, it possesses red and blackcurrant fruit and a hint of flowers along with good texture, richness and intensity. Somewhat reserved and backward, it was about ready to be bottled when I tasted it. Drink now-2028.- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2014)

 2012 Juslyn Merlot Spring Mountain Estate 93 points“The 2012 Merlot from Juslyn shocked me with its richness and concentration. Coming entirely from their Spring Mountain estate, the final blend is 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc. They only made 150 cases, aged it nearly 30 months in three-fourths new French oak, but they have certainly produced a winner. Deep ruby/purple, with a bright, vibrant, gorgeous nose of espresso, mocha, white chocolate, black cherries and darker currants, the wine has velvety tannins, a supple, rather fleshy, succulent mouthfeel, and a juicy, plush texture. This is irresistible wine should continue to drink well for at least another decade or more.- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2015)

2011 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 88 - 90 points (barrel sample)“The endearing, charming 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) shows sweet tannins, low acidity and lots of fruit. This medium-bodied Cabernet should be consumed over the near-term.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2013)

2010 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 94 points“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Petit Verdot) reveals great fruit, but it is more structured, tannic and reserved than the 2009, no doubt because it is a year younger. It reveals lots of graphite, forest floor, black currants, blueberries and the tell-tale smell of violets that comes from the Spring Mountain AVA. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20+ years.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2013)

  2010 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Estate 90 points“The 2010 Perry’s Blend Estate (81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is not as intense as the 2009, but it displays attractive finesse and elegance as well as a Bordeaux-like structural profile. Well-made, pure and medium-bodied, it should drink nicely for 10-12 years. Despite the high quality wines emerging from Juslyn, this estate remains under most consumers’ radar. Proprietors Carolyn and Perry Butler produce mostly estate-bottled wines from their vineyard holdings. The recently released 2009s are both sensational wines. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2013)

2009 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 94 points“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, is one of my favorite wines from this area of Napa Valley. It offers lots of red, blue and black fruits intermixed with a floral component as well as sweet tannin. Combining the gorgeous ripeness and abundant fruit of Napa Cabernet with a Bordeaux-like tannic structure, this young 2009 is still an infant, but it can be enjoyed now, although another 4-6 years of bottle age will improve it even more. It is capable of lasting two more decades.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2013)

2009 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Estate 95 points“A sexy, upfront, lush, opulently-styled effort, the 2009 Perry’s Blend Estate is a 440-case blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This crowd-pleaser boasts medium to full body, a dense plum/purple color, and sweet black raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with notions of flowers, espresso and white chocolate. Enjoy this stunning red wine over the next 10-15 years. Despite the high quality wines emerging from Juslyn, this estate remains under most consumers’ radar.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2013)

2008 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 91 points“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon flows across the palate with dark red fruit, licorice, spices and savory herbs. This delicate, understated Cabernet shows terrific balance in an understated, mid-weight personality. Structurally appears to be a wine to drink over the medium-term. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”- Antonio Galloni  (December, 2011)

2007 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 95 points“The fabulous, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate offers up scents of cedarwood, creme de cassis, graphite and fruitcake. Again, elegance combined with power, a glorious, multilayered texture and a stunning finish result in a brilliant Cabernet that should drink beautifully for 15-20+ years. Butler has excelled equally as well in 2008, although the crop was so tiny he was unable to produce his Perry’s Blend.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2010)

2007 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Estate 93 points“The 2007 Perry’s Blend (42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all from the estate vineyards on Spring Mountain) exhibits tremendous aromas of flowers, blue, red and black fruits, graphite and forest floor. Elegant yet powerful, rich, concentrated, pure and impeccably well-balanced, it reminds me of a hypothetical blend if a Bordeaux and a cool climate, Cabernet-based red from Napa. Drink it over the next 15+ years. Butler has excelled equally as well in 2008, although the crop was so tiny he was unable to produce his Perry’s Blend.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2010)

2006 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 95 points“The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain is one of the great successes for mountain Cabernets. Made from 100% estate fruit, it displays a dense purple color along with a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers, blue and black fruits, and graphite. The perfumed aromatics are accompanied by sweet tannin, full-bodied power, and a beautiful integration of wood, acidity, and tannin. This is a strikingly graceful, elegant Cabernet with considerable flavor intensity. It should evolve for 15-20 years.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2009)

  2006 Juslyn Perry's Blend Spring Mountain Estate 92 points“The 2006 Perry’s Blend (47% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot) possesses seductive, sweet tannins (an anomaly for 2006 mountain Cabernets), a deep ruby/purple color, lots of sweet blue and black fruits, a charming elegance, medium to full-bodied flavors, excellent depth and richness, and impressive purity. Already delicious, it should evolve nicely for 10-15 years or more.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2009)

      2005 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 95+ points“More backward, but also revealing the noble sweetness of tannin that is so important for this varietal, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as sweet aromas of black currants, white chocolate, camphor, and spring flowers. Beautiful purity, ripe tannins, full body, and a 45-second finish result in a dazzling example of Spring Mountain Cabernet. However, patience is warranted. Give this wine 2-3 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 15+ years.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2008)

2005 Juslyn Perry's Blend Napa Valley 95 points“The full-bodied 2005 Perry’s Blend (88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) is a combination of estate fruit and purchased grapes. It is a wine of extraordinary elegance and precision, displaying a sweet, expansive nose of spring flowers, black currants, and hints of blueberries as well as crushed rocks. An ethereal lightness and overall harmony give the wine a Bordeaux-like framework. It possesses terrific purity and depth, and a sweetness to the tannin that suggests it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. As proprietors Perry and Carolyn Butler move toward virtually all estate fruit from their 42 acres on the slopes of Spring Mountain, the quality of their wines has increased dramatically. Juslyn has been a solid performer for many years, but the most recent vintages exhibit a profound rise in quality, yet prices remain...”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2008)

  2004 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 92 points“A beautifully elegant wine from Juslyn, this blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc (most from Oakville and Spring Mountain) is the brainchild of Perry and Carolyn Butler, who have done a fine job of resurrecting this estate. Quintessentially elegant with significant richness and intensity, it possesses a deep ruby/purple color, a delicate texture and savory finesse and concentration. This silky smooth 2004 is approaching full maturity, but is capable of lasting another decade or more.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (April, 2014)

2004 Juslyn Perry's Blend Napa Valley 94 points“The 2004 Perry’s Blend, which is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, emerges from fruit on Spring Mountain as well as Howell Mountain. There are 500 cases of this wine, which is showing better than it did from barrel last year. The wine has beautiful up-front notes of lead pencil shavings, sweet black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of licorice, underbrush, and spice. The wine is long, rich, beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, and supple, with silky tannins in the finish. It should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2007)

    2004 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon “Vineyard Select” Napa Valley 92+ points“The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select originates from purchased fruit, primarily Beckstoffer-owned vineyards such as To-Kalon. There are approximately 800 cases of this wine. The 2004 exhibits wonderful elegant, almost Pauillac-like notes of cedar, spice box, black currant, and a hint of underbrush. The wine has soft tannins, medium to full body, ripe fruit, but beautiful balance and overall symmetry. This is an elegant but substantial wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2007)

   2003 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 91 points“This blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot is relatively evolved, displaying a garnet/plum color and a sweet perfume of blueberries, raspberries, and spring flowers. Soft, round, medium to full-bodied and elegant, it is fully mature and needs to be drunk up over the next 4-5 years. It is a medium-weight, finesse-styled 2003 that is representative of high-elevation mountain vineyards, but with finesse.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (June, 2013) 

2003 Juslyn Perry's Blend Napa Valley 92 points“Last December, I mistakenly indicated the 2003s had been bottled, but in fact they were not bottled until April, 2006. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, the 2003 Perry’s Blend reveals a chocolaty, fleshy bouquet with hints of espresso and black fruits, soft acidity, rich, medium to full-bodied flavors, and a corpulent, heady finish. While not quite as stunning as the 2002, it is a beautiful red to consume during its first 10-12 years of life. As I have written before, Carolyn and Perry Butler have quickly made Juslyn one of the finest sources of top quality wine on Spring Mountain. They planted their estate vineyard in 1997 and have been sourcing high quality grapes from several of Andy Beckstoffer’s top Napa Valley vineyards.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2006)

2003 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon “Vineyard Select” Napa Valley 91 points“Last December, I mistakenly indicated the 2003s had been bottled, but in fact they were not bottled until April, 2006. The outstanding, more elegant 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select exhibits excellent balance between its sweet tannin, heady glycerin, and concentrated, finesse-styled palate. Black currant, tobacco leaf, smoke, and pain grille characteristics are found in this delicious Cabernet. Enjoy it now or cellar it for 14-15.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2006)

2002 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Estate 93 points“From the 7-acre estate vineyard (Juslyn owns a total of 40 acres), the deep, dark ruby/purple-hued 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot) exhibits notions of crushed rocks, subtle oak, blackberries, blueberries, and cherries. It possesses full body, excellent purity, a multidimensional mid-palate as well as texture, and a lovely finish. Still young and unevolved, it should hit its peak in 3-5 years, and last for two decades.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2006)

2002 Juslyn Perry's Blend Napa Valley 93 points“The 2002 Perry’s Blend (62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) exhibits aromas of white flowers, blueberries, black currants, and a hint of wood. Possessing medium to full body, terrific fruit purity, and admirable symmetry as well as elegance, this powerful red wine should drink well for 10-15 years”. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2006)91 points (retrospect tasting)“This blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot appears to have closed down since I had it seven years ago. Made in a high elevation, cool climate, elegant style, it exhibits notes of bay leaf, lavender and sweet black currants along with medium to full body and an impressive layered richness. Tannins as well as a distinctive structural earthiness that kicks in the back suggest this 2002 should be forgotten for another 3-4 years. It will age easily over the following 10-15 years.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (June, 2012)

      2002 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon “Vineyard Select” Napa Valley 93 points“The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select is an 800-case offering from the Beckstoffer vineyards, primarily To-Kalon. Classic notes of cedar and cassis emerge from this Pauillac-like Napa Cabernet. A sweet mid-palate, full body, beautiful purity, and a long, spicy, heady finish suggest it will drink well for 10-15 years or longer.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2006)

        2001 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon “Vineyard Select” Napa Valley 91 points“The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select is superior from bottle than it was from cask. A wine of balance and impeccable purity, it represents a California version of a fictional blend of a top-notch Pauillac and St.- Julien. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of black currants, earth, tobacco leaf, licorice, and plums, a sweet attack, a pure mid-section, and a medium to full-bodied, persistent finish displaying faultless harmony. It will drink well for 15 years.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (February, 2005)

   2001 Juslyn Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley 90 points“The 2001 Proprietary Red (which will be called Perry’s Blend beginning in 2002) comes from the Dr. Crane, ToKalon, and George III vineyards. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, it is performing better from bottle than it did from barrel. Its dark ruby/purple color is followed by a fragrant nose of blueberries, black currants, vanilla, and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied and elegant, with attractive layers of fruit, this beauty can be drunk young or cellared for 10-12 years”. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (February, 2005)

1999 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon “Vineyard Select” Napa Valley 90 - 92 points (barrel sample)“The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select, an inconsistent vintage, especially in the mountain vineyards, is outstanding. Made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color, firm, austere tannin (a characteristic of the vintage), and complex notes of tobacco leaf, cedar wood, black currants, and earth. Dense and medium to full-bodied, with outstanding purity, it admirably balances elegance with power. It can be drunk now, but will be even better in 3-4 years; it will keep for 12-15.” - Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (December, 2003)

     2014 Juslyn Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 90 points“One of their strongest efforts in Sauvignon Blanc is the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc from the Melrose Vineyard. This wine has malolactic completely blocked and is totally aged in stainless steel. It represents something of a Bordeaux take on Sauvignon, with lots of caramelized grapefruit, melony notes, great acidity, and a fresh, naked, vibrant personality. It should drink nicely for several years. It is no wimpish Sauvignon Blanc at 14.1% alcohol either.”- Robert M. Parker, Jr.  (October, 2015)It was nearly 20 years ago that I had my first taste of a Spring Mountain wine. The 1987 vintage of the Spring Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon knocked me off my feet, and ever since that moment I’ve been fascinated and enamored with this tiny appellation, perched high up in the hills above St. Helena. This is why I’m so excited to present Wine Access clients with an exclusive offering from one of Spring Mountain’s greatest estates. The 2015 Juslyn Vineyards Perry’s Blend has yet to be released anywhere in the country. Previous vintages have awed Robert Parker, with seven of the last 10 releases receiving scores between 92-95 points. After tasting the 2015 last week—before Parker, Galloni, and Suckling—it’s safe to say that when the scores do drop, they won’t be shy. Made by Angelina Mondavi (yes, that Mondavi), the 2015 offers purity, power, and complexity with rich layers of red currant and blackberry, accented by subtle violet, fresh herbs, and baking spices. When it’s finally released to the rest of world, the 2015 Perry’s Blend will carry a $95 price tag. We’ll proudly deliver it sooner and at just $85 per bottle. At 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, it almost doesn’t make sense to call the 2015 Perry’s a “blend.” Touches of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot round out the edges with added depth, softness, and complexity, but at heart this is unabashed Spring Mountain Cabernet. As Robert Parker once wrote, Juslyn wines are “brilliant examples of elegant Bordeaux-styled Cabernets, with freshness, outstanding aging potential, and beautiful purity and depth.” The 2015 Perry’s certainly lives up to that billing. The story of how Juslyn came to be goes hand in hand with Perry’s Blend, as the wine takes its name from Perry Butler, who founded the winery with his wife, Carolyn, in 1997. As Perry tells it, after searching up and down the Valley for vineyard properties, a realtor drove him up Highway 29, turning off on Spring Mountain Road. Hundreds of feet above the Valley, they pulled into a dirt driveway that would lead to a steep 42-acre hillside estate. The Butlers had found what they were looking for. After closing on the property, they’d waste no time. By 2002, the young hillside planting was beginning to turn out a tiny crop of extravagantly concentrated small-berry Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc, and Merlot. Then, those first Wine Advocate rave reviews came off the press and in no more than a Robert Parker second, Juslyn’s Spring Mountain stock was soaring. Since 2002, Juslyn wines have garnered a staggering nineteen 92+ scores from Parker, a performance that places Juslyn in the rarefied mountain air of blue-chippers like Keenan, Lokoya, O'Shaughnessy, and CADE. But just as intriguing as the exquisite blackberry purity of these voluptuous Cabernets, is Perry Butler’s refusal to follow Napa’s inflationary ways. As other estate-grown, high-scoring Cabernets continue to skyrocket in price, Juslyn’s “Perry’s Blend” remains Napa’s most distinguished blue-chip bargain. As such, our 56-case allocation will go quickly. Robert Emery DipWSET Wine & Spirits Education Trust Diploma Stage 2 Master of Wine Student