2002 Juslyn Spring Mountain $89.99   2002 Juslyn Vineyard Select  $74.99 all prices per bottle

Juslyn, the story

When British ex-patriots Perry and Carolyn Butler moved to California in 1982, they never dreamed they would own 42 acres of prime vineyard land in the heart of Napa Valley. They arrived in California as high-tech pioneers and founded their own computer company in the San Francisco Bay area. After routine 80-hour work weeks, the couple relaxed during weekend trips to Napa Valley, where they were bitten by the wine bug. Dreams of high-tech dominance soon turned to thoughts of returning to the land and grape growing.

In 1997, their dream became a reality when Perry and Carolyn sold their computer business and founded Juslyn Vineyards on a site overlooking the renowned Spring Mountain Winery. (The name, Juslyn, is derived from the names, Justine-the Butlers' daughter-and Carolyn.) In 1998, they made their first vintage of Juslyn from grapes purchased from Andy Beckstoffer as they waited patiently for their own vines to mature. Their patience paid in 2000, when they were able to harvest their estate for the first time to produce 80 cases of Spring Mountain cabernet sauvignon.

Since then, there has been no turning back. Perry and Carolyn have committed to making the best wine possible in the heart of Napa Valley's acclaimed Spring Mountain District. Having received 90+points from accredited publications like Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (December 2003) and Wine and Spirits Magazine (August 2004), the Butler's are proving that they are on the path of success and truly living the American dream.  Developing their vineyards in the rocky soils of Spring Mountain proved that wine was truly a labor of love. Using a field blend of 90% cabernet sauvignon with small amounts of merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot (for color), they finally achieved their first Estate Cabernet release in 2000. Due to the small yields, they produced only a limited amount that, much to their delight, sold immediately. In 2001, they were able to increase the production to 170 cases of wine that displays elegance in the style of premier cru Bordeaux.

Without the hard work of their team of wine and grape specialists they never could have made their dreams reality. Heading up work in the vineyards is famed Vineyard Manager Oscar Renteria, who has produced outstanding grapes for many prestigious Napa Valley vineyards. With his help, they have been able to select the most appropriate varieties for the vineyards and consistently farm the highest quality fruit.

Renowned grower, Andy Beckstoffer, farms all of  their purchased grapes. Since 2000, Andy has been the exclusive grower for any grapes purchased outside Juslyn's estate vineyard on Spring Mountain. Those purchases originate from some of Napa Valley's most famous vineyards-Tokolon, George III, and Dr. Crane.  Year after year, these vineyards produce, arguably, the finest quality grapes in California. 

In the cellar, they benefit from the experience and expertise of winemaker Craig MacLean. With a Masters Degree from the University of California, Davis, Craig began his career as assistant winemaker at Markham Vineyards in 1987. He later worked at Cain Vineyards-another Spring Mountain estate-for four years. Subsequently he moved to the eponymous Spring Mountain Vineyard itself, where he helped restore that historic winery to its former glory. Craig joined Juslyn in 1997 and has carefully crafted each of the winery's vintages.

"This winery continues to make huge strides in quality, although the proprietors, Carolyn and Perry Butler, only started to plant their vineyard in 1997. The best vintages to date have been 2002 and 2003. They now possess 7 acres planted on Spring Mountain, and they produce estate wines, a Vineyard Select from such high quality Napa Valley vineyards as To-Kalon, Dr. Crane, and George III, and the Perry’s Blend, a selection made by the proprietors to emulate a Napa mountainside wine, but with a Bordeaux-oriented personality."

—Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2002 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain
"There are 400 cases of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, which is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It boasts a saturated deep ruby/purple color to the rim, along with notes of flowers, blueberries, black currants, licorice, and subtle toasty oak. The wine exhibits wonderful fullness, an impeccable touch of oak, sweet tannins, full body, and a long, layered, concentrated finish. This is a beautiful, stylish, and singular style of Cabernet Sauvignon, the likes of which I haven't tasted from any other Spring Mountain producer. It should be at its peak between 2007 and 2020."   94 points.

2002 Juslyn Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select
"The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Select (800 cases from some top Napa sites) is blended with Merlot. This has more of an explosive black currant, licorice, and floral nose, full body, and a concentrated palate, but does not lose its sense of style and subtlety. Well-balanced, and displaying a judicious touch of oak, noticeable sweetness to the ripe tannins, and a pure, concentrated finish, it should drink well for 15 or more years." 

93 points.