Press

Aromas of ripe fruit, chocolate, walnuts and orange peel. Some peat, too. Medium to full body. Round and fine, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 12% cabernet franc and 12% merlot. Drink after 2021.

65 judges from various North American wine regions reviewed 6,700 wines from 1,000 producers with all of our entries finishing in the medal class.

	2016 J. McClelland Cabernet Sauvignon
	2017 The Lost Chapters Pinot Noir
	2017 The Lost Chapters Sauvignon Blanc
	2017 50 Harvests Meritage Blanc
	2014 The Lost Chapters Zinfandel

Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red and black cherry and five spice with supporting notes of boysenberry, cassis, slate, and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dried herbs, raspberry, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with supple yet dry tannins. Full bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 76%, Cabernet Franc 12%, and Merlot 12%.

$60 – 4 Stars – 92 points

Product Story

This bold New World Cabernet with an Old World soul is made with a classic blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot. The J. McClelland Cellars wines are created by the careful blending of separate lots of wines determined by winemakers Paul Scotto and Mitch Cosentino. Wines from various vineyards or even wines from the same vineyard are given different oak treatments resulting unique flavors. We love the result as it's ideally balanced with waves of complex fruit and bright acidity. This a beautiful and age-worthy Cabernet that will outlive many of its contemporaries in the cellar.

Brand Story

In 2008, the Scotto Family began preparing for the production of a collection of world class wines from Napa Valley dedicated to and named for their long time friend, trusted advisor, and iconic California wine industry personality John McClelland. John McClelland was a veteran wine industry guru for more than six decades with fans from Brazil to California and beyond. In 2014 J. McClelland Cellars added veteran winemaker Mitch Cosentino to the team and saw instant rewards with prestigious awards and scores earned. 2013 the Scotto family launched "50 Harvests" a label created to memorialize the family’s five generations of winemaking heritage on the island of Ischia off the Italian coast. Presently the McClelland portfolio consists of three labels that celebrate the Scotto's family winemaking legacy.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis and black cherry with supporting notes of blackberry, wet stones, and sweet oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, baking spices, and plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and vanilla bean. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a silky, rich texture.

How to Serve

I highly recommend that you decant this wine. Just one hour in a decanter will be enough time to allow this wine to show you what it has. Pair with braised meats and rich stews.

$50 – 4 Stars – 92 points

Brilliant, medium golden straw color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of white peach and passion fruit with supporting notes of spring flowers, citrus zest, and candied ginger. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruits, lemon grass, and jasmine. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus notes. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet luscious texture. Made with a blend of Semillon 52% and Sauvignon Blanc 48%. We love well-done Semillon forward wine.

$35 – 4 Stars – 91 points