Scarecrow - Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (1.5L)

Vineyard Manager Michael Wolf:

2022 began with an extremely dry winter. The bulk of the “water year’s” rain fell between October and December of ’21, with only a couple of inches of rain from January to March. Overall rainfall was well below historical averages. This is important at JJC because a significant part of the vineyard is dry-farmed and dependent on winter rains to recharge the soil profile. Frost hours were in the typical range and much less severe than 2021. JJC has a good frost protection system, and no damage occurred. Some rain in April was crucial and helpful to getting the vines off to a good start, but it was not significant enough to interrupt farming operations, so cultivation and pest/mildew control proceeded normally. The weather at bloomtime was favorable and fruit set produced the potential for an average sized crop. Summer growing conditions were favorable for crop development and the vineyard performed well through what has become a typically hot season. The heat became extreme during the week after Labor Day. We experienced record breaking temperatures day after day, coupled with a lack of nighttime cooling. Some blocks were truly ripe and ready for harvest just prior to the heat wave, and picking at JJC began on September 5. Many blocks were on the cusp of being ready to go, so choices had to be made relative to the unrelenting heat. Harvest was concluded on September 26. The vineyard held up well, as did the crews who worked at a frenzied pace, mostly at night. Yields were below historical averages.

Winemaker Celia Welch writes of the 2022 Scarecrow:

Aromas of mixed dark red berries (raspberries, cranberries), some notes of plum and fresh blueberries are represented in this 2022 Scarecrow vintage. Dark cassis notes and mocha aromas linger. A sweet, velvety entry with a burst of freshness in the mid-palate is coupled with luscious meringue-like softness in the overall mouthfeel. Bright acidity boosts the berry flavors, while the French oak adds a touch of baking spice and savory tobacco. The finish has flavors of blueberry jam, cedar, and anise, slowly fading to a soft, juicy finish. Tannins are nearly imperceptible while still holding a firm structure, giving the wine a polished, approachable, yet ageable quality.

Harvested entirely by hand in pre-dawn hours between September 5 and 26, 2022, this wine is 100% estate-grown from the historic J.J. Cohn Estate in Rutherford, Napa Valley. The fruit was destemmed, optically sorted, and fermented in small batches. After approximately 21 days on skins, the wine was gently pressed and transferred to 65% new French Oak barrels, made of staves, primarily 3-year, air-dried. The wine rested in these barrels for about 21 months, then bottled in early July 2024 without fining or filtration. A total of 1,340 cases were produced.

Critical Acclaim

98 points Jeb Dunnuck

"Cassis, graphite, smoked tobacco, and hints of chocolate all define the 2022 Scarecrow, and this sensational effort shows what can be achieved in challenging vintages with incredible terroir, old vines, and a brilliant winemaker. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, balanced, and with velvety tannins, it has a layered mouthfeel and terrific length on the finish. It's a more forward, sexy example of this cuvee than normal but is just a sensational effort in this challenging vintage. As with most 2022s, it has plenty of upfront charm and appeal, yet this has the depth and density to evolve for over two decades. The 2022 is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec, all of which spent 22 months in 65% new French oak. This is easily in the top 2-3 wines in the vintage. " (01/2025)

97 points Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Scarecrow is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the J.J. Cohn vineyard, nestled up against the lower slopes of the Mayacamas. Bottled in July 2024, it features mixed red and black cherries on the nose, plus hints of cassis and pencil shavings. In the mouth, it's full-bodied and silky, the wood bringing structure—and maybe even a bit of freshness—to the wine this year, prolonging the finish and helping to shape the palate into a more linear shape. Not quite up to the lofty standards of the 2019 or 2021 vintages, it's still a stunning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that should evolve nicely for two decades. (JC)" (02/2025)

97 points Decanter

"This wine simply screams Rutherford, leading with that classic dusty mineral character alongside notes of redcurrant and blackcurrant, a hint of cassis and perfumed florals. On the palate, it's elegant, opening with forest berry fruit and dark cacao, underscored by firm, structured tannins with a distinct mineral edge. Polished, complete and stylish, the blend contains 2% Malbec and is aged in 70% new French oak. (JC)" (03/2025)

96 points Vinous

"The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is soft, seamless and polished. Winemaker Celia Welch turned out a sublime wine in this incredibly challenging year. A wine with no hard edges, the 2022 is impeccable from start to finish. Sumptuous dark red fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, new leather and incense all build beautifully in the glass. This is a terrific 2022. (AG)" (12/2024)