More about the James Johnson 2009 'Bisou' Cabernet Sauvignon: The 2009 James Johnson Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare and intimate expression of Napa Valley Cabernet, defined as much by its scale as by its pedigree. Crafted in extremely limited quantities, with just over 400 cases produced, this wine comes from a single vineyard in St. Helena, an area long revered for Cabernet Sauvignon of depth, structure, and age-worthy concentration. The name Bisou, meaning “kiss” in French, is an apt reflection of the wine’s philosophy: a small, deliberate, and personal statement rather than a grand commercial gesture. At the helm is Thomas Rivers Brown, one of the most influential and decorated winemakers of his generation. Widely recognized for his work with elite Napa Valley estates including Rivers-Marie, Schrader, Outpost, and Maybach, Brown’s résumé includes numerous 100-point scores from Robert Parker and the distinction of being the only American winemaker to earn a perfect score from Wine Spectator. His approach emphasizes precision, site expression, and balance, allowing the inherent character of the vineyard to lead rather than overpowering it with excess winemaking signatures. The 2009 vintage in Napa Valley provided ideal conditions for producing structured, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bisou reflects that harmony in its poise and clarity. Sourced from a single St. Helena vineyard, the wine showcases the region’s hallmark intensity while maintaining polish and refinement. Every element of the James Johnson Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon speaks to intentional craftsmanship, from its microscopic production to its celebrated winemaker, making it a compelling example of Napa Valley Cabernet made not for scale, but for distinction.