Planted in 1999, Cloudy’s Vineyard sits on the steepest part of our estate hidden high up in the Vaca Mountains. The rugged terrain forces the vines to work overtime, focusing all their energy on ripening the fruit. The result is fruit that is both exceptionally ripe when picked and also very concentrated in flavor.

The nose expresses very rich, blackberry jam with undertones of vanilla and other oak- derived flavors. The palate has layers of blueberry, hints of crushed herbs and a volcanic soil minerality. A long but not overly tannic finish leads us to believe this wine will age gracefully over the next 10-15 years. It is already showing great balance and is thoroughly enjoyable now in its youth.

Decanter.com, Rating: 95
The Cloudy's Vineyard is on Dutch Henry Canyon Road, just south of Calistoga, near Blue Line Vineyard, a source for Hourglass and Switchback. Just 1.0ha of vines are situated on a northwest-facing hillside of rocky volcanic, tufa, and fractured shale soils, aged 28 months in 100% new French oak. Those volcanic minerals shine through here, interlaced with ripe blueberry fruit, sandalwood with a cranberry crunchy freshness. Full-bodied with velvety tannins and plush layers of fresh cherry and plum fruit with saline-acid tension. It is very delicious now and one to cellar in this vintage. - Jonathan Cristaldi

Consulting Winemaker and Viticulturalist: Kirk Venge
Proprietors: The Janzen Family

Click here to download the 2022 Janzen Cloudy’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon tasting notes.