Kelly and Jones Cabernet
You had me at Cabernet.
Growing up in California with a father in the hospitality sector, who was very involved with the wine community nationally and internationally, certainly exposed me to wine culture at an early age and gave me insight into certain wine matters. One was that Cabernet Sauvignon, referred to as the King of red wine grapes, is loved for its full-bodied deep flavors, high concentration, and age-worthiness.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most popular grapes, grown in nearly every wine-producing country. It provides the cornerstone for wines from Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Washington State, Chile, and beyond. While some Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be sumptuous and fruity, others are savory and smoky. It all depends on where it’s grown, and blended, and how it’s made. It showcases notes of chocolate, vanilla, cherry, cedar, and pencil lead, amongst others.
Hernando Courtright and Kelly Jones Founder of Kelly and Jones at Back Label Wines
Just like vintage wine, Kelly Jones has updated her Cabernet a few times since its original launch in 2012. The notes for Cabernet have remained fairly consistent but with slight twists, just as a wine will differ in taste from vintage to vintage. The original Notes of Wine Collection consisted of five wine varietals, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. Just like vintages of wine, this “WINE PAIRING” collection has different “releases”.
Christina Christie Senior Perfumer IFF is the nose for Cabernet
The Notes of Cabernet and the Reserve Cabernet (2016) were created by Christina Christie when she was at Fragrance Resources. And the latest is titled “Cabernet” and was created in collaboration with Christina Christie now at IFF (as Fragrance Resources was acquired by IFF). It launched in late 2022.
The current vintage makes it more sustainable. And, with the use of natural materials in the formula, the modification of a few of the accords gives it a more velvety feel.
Kelly and Jones Cabernet stands in good company with some of California’s top Cabernets photo Hernando©
The opening of Kelly and Jones Cabernet EDP is the Black Cherry which is in line with a top California Cabernet. Here the Black Cherry is well crafted. There is a just slightly chemical-y when it opens but blows off quickly. So, like wine when first exposed to air, it might need to breathe to show its full potential. Then the Black Cherry turns rich, sweet, and luscious. Fruity but not too tart or tannic. The Tobacco Leaf which is commonly paired with Cherry is nuanced with a slightly sweet earthy herbaceous aroma. There is also a hint of freshly cut hay in the background. The Peppercorn I suspect is more of a green one, so light on the spice and much more cheerful. And I’m getting a rosy overtone shining through.
As for the Vintage Leather, not getting much vintage or leather here. I find it softer and more pleasant. If I recall correctly, the leather used here is not as prominent as in the original (or was it the Reserve?) release. Wine tastes that lean toward rosé and Sancerre in the warmer temperatures will shift to bigger bolder reds in the cooler weather. Fragrance wear is similar. In the spring and summer months, scents will lean more on citrus, fruit, flowers, etc. while in the fall and winter months fragrances gravitate toward the resins, woods, tobacco, mosses, etc. I find this is a unisex scent. Most definitely suitable for year-round wear. There is a romance built into the bottle! So, evening wear is ideal and it’s suitable for the office if you want to grab some attention!
Kelly and Jones Cabernet has average projection and longevity. So best worn with a few liberal sprays. A fragrance inspired by the aromas of Cabernet wine. Made especially to pair with the wine in your glass. Try it. Salud!
Notes: Black Cherry | Tobacco Leaf | No. 2 Pencil | Peppercorn | Vintage Leather
Kelly and Jones fragrances are all formulated to meet the strict regulatory and quality guidelines of IFRA.
Kelly and Jones perfumes can be purchased through her website or through many retailers listed under About – Where to Buy.
Disclaimer: My bottle of Cabernet was kindly sent to me by Kelly Jones. My opinions are mine and only mine!
Hernando Courtright ~ Senior Events Contributor, Wine Specialist and New York City Brand Ambassador
All Photos are courtesy of Kelly and Jones except where credited otherwise and cannot be reproduced without permission.
Thanks to the generosity of Kelly Jones we have a draw for a Cabernet Eau de Parfum Spray (1.69 fl oz / 50 ml) with box. We have a USA draw for one registered reader. You must register here. To be eligible please leave a comment on what you enjoyed about Hernando’s review of Kelly and Jones Cabernet. The draw closes on 11/9/2023 and the winner will be announced within 10 days later.
Please enjoy Hernando’s review of Riesling Reserve
Please enjoy Rachel K. Ng’s review of Chardonnay Reserve
For more on the Mezcal Collection Hernando Courtright’s Behind the Bottle here
Kelly and Jones were featured in Video Contributor Steven Gavrielatos’ Holiday 2022 Video
Please read Kelly Jones’s Profiles in American Perfumery here
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