We’ve been chasing J.Wilkes winery and pretty much ANYTHING from Miller Family Wines for years!

After all, this is the family behind the INFAMOUS Bien Nacido Vineyard. The high standards and high reputation they bring is apparent in every wine they make.

And seeing this one for just $22?! Easy no-brainer.

The brand made famous as Wes Hagen-made is known for high quality sources and with fifth generation wine industry veterans at Miller Family at the helm, we can only imagine the back room deals these folks are able to get in on!

Wes Hagen spent almost 3 decades as winemaker and vineyard manager at the famous Clos Pepe Vineyards and Estate Wines* in Lompoc. He left his family’s vineyards in the hands of **Hall and Walt Wines of St. Helena to become the Winemaker and Brand Ambassador for J. Wilkes Wines in Santa Maria. Wes seemed to have leveled up his winemaking skills at J.Wilkes and was named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the 100 Most Influential Winemakers in the USA.

In 2020, Hagen stepped into a consulting winemaker and brand ambassador role to name Jonathan Nagy as Head Winemaker. With roots in Napa and a resume including Mondavi, Nagy had moved down to the Central Coast to work with Cambria Winery and then Bryon Winery and fell in love with the area. He obviously had figured out the nuance and power that the Central Coast brings because these wines have only gotten better with him onboard!

Aromas fly from the glass, with deep dark cherry, cedar, clove and pepper. Dark juicy and beautiful structured, this wine is one for aging. Notes of sage and bay leaves play perfectly with intense plum, dried blackberry and the loveliest green pepper notes.

Our entire tasting panel was super impressed, and we were quick to get as much as we could for you, Dear Operatives.

Don’t delay on this one!

92 Points—Tasting Panel

92 Points—James Suckling “Dark cherries, blackcurrants, cedar, nut shell and moist earth. Medium- to full-bodied with a juicy, fresh palate, offering vivid dark fruit and velvety tannins. Vivid, dark-fruited finish. Drink or hold.”