James Johnson Vineyards – 94
Sunday, June 12th, 2005
Bisou means "kiss" in French. It is also home to the only wine produced by James Johnson Vineyards, a Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional quality which was introduced to me at the St. Helena Open House promoting the St. Helena Viticultural Society. The open house was a lovely afternoon, held the day after the Napa Valley Auction. The whole event proved great insight for me in learning about small producers like the Johnsons.
James himself was there, pouring his three vintages. He delights in talking about his three children, Paige, Ryan, and Ashely. He has three acres of Cabernet grapes and has named an acre each after his children. Those three acres, located in St. Helena, along with 5 1/2 acres in Lodi comprise their entire business; producing a total of 400 cases of each of the lovely wines I tasted:
2000 Bisou Home Cabernet Sauvignon – (Their first offering!) Purple tones with a fabulous integration in oak and fruit. Elegant at 14.2% alcohol. Opulent dark nose of fruit with an elegant entry including cassis and vanilla. $55.00
2001 Bisou Home Cabernet Sauvignon – Intense aromas of black plum and juicy berry. Smooth and complex with a balanced entry showing cedar, cherry, and a velvety, bright finish. $60.00
2002 Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon – From an as-yet, unreleased sample, this wine showed dark, jammy liqueur in a concentrated form. Still presenting rich fruit and heightened vanilla and oak, time will tame this fruit bomb. I am looking forward to it!
James Johnson Vineyards ~ 1030 Main Street #216 ~ St. Helena ~ CA ~ 94574 ~ 707-967-0656