In honor of Janell’s dad, Don Michael Dusi - “The Don”.
Aged balsamic and with a bit of spice on the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend has predominant yet approachable tannins. Its mid-palate is round and laced with ripe dark berries and worn leather. A hint of espresso rides through its expressive and lengthy finish.
Bringing J Dusi into the public realm of the wine industry has been a life-long dream for me. I grew up living on the vineyard, participating in grape farming, and begging for my Grandfather to teach me the winemaking process.
My first vintage was when I was sixteen. My Grandfather guided me through the process from the recollection of the days when his family ran the original “Dusi Winery” back in the '50s. I learned, from him, the REAL Italian way to make wine, which happened to be a slight variation of today’s California-style wines.
Female-owned and operated, J Dusi Wines is guided by its head winemaker and owner Janell Dusi. Janell was born and raised on the Dusi Vineyard where her grandfather Dante taught her the old-world Italian style of winemaking. The Dusi family’s heritage and history in Paso Robles Wine Country dates back to the early 1920’s, where grape growing has been a craft that has deep roots in the Dusi family. The sustainable farming practices that were implemented by Janell’s great-grandparents ninety years ago are still the standard that we follow today. The unique, hand-crafted quality of J Dusi Wines results from Janell’s intimate involvement in every step of the process: working in the vineyard, driving the tractor, handpicking her own fruit, crushing the grapes, and fermenting the juice from the bins to the barrels to the bottle. One thing Janell knows for sure; winemaking is part science, part art, and 100% passion.
Janell Dusi is a farmer and she is a winemaker. She continues a legacy and also the dream: A family tradition with a new perspective.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Good evening! This bottle met a quick end between four of us, so there are a few perspectives merged together here.
Firstly, it was quite a tasty bottle. I left it mostly blind to the other three in the group, and it was hard to pick out anything in particular pointing to it being a Super Tuscan style. The Cab Sauv had the structure, and the Sangiovese brought some verve, but neither overwhlemed.
We thought it was moderately oaky, good acid, and not really tannic. After reading the notes on the J. Dusi webpage about balsamic, i started to understand where that could come in. However, it’s no where near that ‘candied’ of a grape flavor.
In the end, it was a well enjoyed bottle. Super easy drinking, and would be a crowd favorite. For food pairings, i think a thick grilled pork chop, some roasted squash, and a salad would be a mighty fine match.
TL;DR: Bring back the 6 option!
Let me be the first to complain of the “2 or 12” - seems the offerings near the holidays are especially rich and enticing, and those of us with limited means have been stocking up none-the-less, but these options are killers - running out of space, money and household-members tolerance for a case, just can’t break past our inner scrooge to just buy two, when we know we’ll want more, but just can’t monetarily, domestically, or spatially rationalize a case - seems like you (and as retailers and you have every right to do so) are targeting those with expansive budgets, storage and understanding family members, or those with the means to make frivolous “oh-what-the hell-I’ll try a couple” purchases.
That said, we usually love the J Dusi offerings, and after the Rats chime in I will probably pop for the case, all the while cursing those who would not make a 4 or 6 option available, grumbling all the way …
/giphy grumble
@stolicat Fortunately I have a local CS friend to split with when the stars align, and a few times other local Casematers join in when we are only looking for 3-4 bottles each.
@stolicat I think it’s by design. That is, CM and winery want to push cases and the two bottle option is mostly a facade. J Dusi needs to move their wine to clear space and likely worked out this agreement to discourage less than case buys.
I’m also thinking shipping comes into play. I assume shipping two bottles is cheaper than four or six.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 J Dusi “The Don” - $100 = 33.32%
@Tassadar@kylar Great! I will order a case and plan on a 4/4/4 split. Total will be just $63/person as I can use coupon code and have free shipping. I’ll circle back with you when it delivers.
@davidj94112@kylar inner Richmond! Lived on 39/Geary (I think considered outer) in 2000 while attending USF Law! Great times
Remember a place called Tommy’s had the best tequila selection and freshly squeezed lime margaritas
@kylar@Tassadar The case of J. Dusi arrived today. LMK when it’s a good to complete our transactions. Tassadar, I am real close by you in Excelsior just on the other side of the park (on Russia Ave). klyar, Inner Richmond is other side of town so perhaps we can find a midpoint to meet. No hurry if you all want to wait until after the holidays.
Well well happy Friday…
Mr. Suckling had this to say:
90 points. A fruity nose of cassis, dark cherries, blackberries and sweet spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Supple and fruit-driven with a straightforward character and a fruity, flavorful finish.
Question to Janell or anyone who may know.I am a long time huge fan of Dusi Zin fruit through Risge and Turley, and took advantage and consumed a case of your last offering here on CM. Question I have is, I noticed 20% aged in American oak and am not wild about over powering oak. Can you let us know if the American oak is predominant in this wine? Ok, one last question, is the fruit from your own Dusi vineyard? Appreciate it!
Good morning, Janell Dusi here! This Cab blend is 20% American oak and 80% French oak… but only about 15% of that is NEW oak. I never use a ton of new oak on my wines, as I want the fruit to show its expression of where it was grown and my family who farms the grapes. This is not from the Old Vine Dusi Vineyard, but it is from vineyards that we own and farm as a family in Paso Robles! This is always a tasting room favorite, I just made a lot of this one blend in 2020!
@JDusiWines thank you very much for jumping on here. Your reply is definitely something like I hoped it would be. I just ordered a case. Thank you again.
Paso Robles is having a week! If I didn’t have 2 cases of last weekend’s Peachy Canyon Zin already weighing down the UPS truck, I’d be very tempted by this J Dusi blend. It must have been a fun afternoon for the WCC staffer who scouted these!
I’ve bought many cases of JDusi wines over the years, bottles are so pretty, I can’t make myself throw them away…so I’ve taken to putting them under the house in the crawl space….future generations will consider me a wino….they will be right…LOL (found some from the 1920’s under there, from my Grandfather when they built the house, had to add to the collection)
Well (grumble), missed the earlier offers for SF Bay Area splits (grumble), so if any one would like to pick up some bottles, SF to SJ or SCrz, I’m in (grumble) for a case (grumble)
/giphy cherished-cheerful-ribbon
/giphy grumble
If anyone near Sarasota, Fl would like to know if doesn’t Janell Dusi will be here 1/27 @ the Butcher’s block for wine tasting! Also, at a Cork’s & Forks event 1/22
2020 J Dusi The Don
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
2-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$576/Case for 12x 2020 J Dusi The Don at J Dusi Wines
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, Jan 2
2020 J Dusi “The Don”
2 bottles for $49.99 $25/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Good evening! This bottle met a quick end between four of us, so there are a few perspectives merged together here.
Firstly, it was quite a tasty bottle. I left it mostly blind to the other three in the group, and it was hard to pick out anything in particular pointing to it being a Super Tuscan style. The Cab Sauv had the structure, and the Sangiovese brought some verve, but neither overwhlemed.
We thought it was moderately oaky, good acid, and not really tannic. After reading the notes on the J. Dusi webpage about balsamic, i started to understand where that could come in. However, it’s no where near that ‘candied’ of a grape flavor.
In the end, it was a well enjoyed bottle. Super easy drinking, and would be a crowd favorite. For food pairings, i think a thick grilled pork chop, some roasted squash, and a salad would be a mighty fine match.
Thanks all!
TL;DR: Bring back the 6 option!
Let me be the first to complain of the “2 or 12” - seems the offerings near the holidays are especially rich and enticing, and those of us with limited means have been stocking up none-the-less, but these options are killers - running out of space, money and household-members tolerance for a case, just can’t break past our inner scrooge to just buy two, when we know we’ll want more, but just can’t monetarily, domestically, or spatially rationalize a case - seems like you (and as retailers and you have every right to do so) are targeting those with expansive budgets, storage and understanding family members, or those with the means to make frivolous “oh-what-the hell-I’ll try a couple” purchases.
That said, we usually love the J Dusi offerings, and after the Rats chime in I will probably pop for the case, all the while cursing those who would not make a 4 or 6 option available, grumbling all the way …
/giphy grumble
@stolicat same for me!
@stolicat Fortunately I have a local CS friend to split with when the stars align, and a few times other local Casematers join in when we are only looking for 3-4 bottles each.
@stolicat
@stolicat I think it’s by design. That is, CM and winery want to push cases and the two bottle option is mostly a facade. J Dusi needs to move their wine to clear space and likely worked out this agreement to discourage less than case buys.
I’m also thinking shipping comes into play. I assume shipping two bottles is cheaper than four or six.
But what do I know.
@stolicat To be annoying, I appreciate the 2-bottle option to send to my parents and my in-laws as gifts.
I couldn’t agree more stolicat. Nor could I have said it any better. I am in the same boat
However, I might be able to justify a split ; } Anyone in cmh? Hmmm
@smoothie72 I’d be in for a few, but can’t justify a full six – if you wind up with a multi-way split I’d be in.
@fermentedwisdom @smoothie72 I’m in for 3-4.
@albish7 @fermentedwisdom
Case is ordered. I’ll let you know when shipment is on the way
@albish7
Case of The Don arrived today. Let’s set a meetup.
Exactomundo! Anyone in Syracuse wanna split a case?
@FritzCat I would be happy to split a case. I’m onondaga hill. Joe D
@FritzCat Good morning fritz would you shoot me a text To verify
We are doing the split. 3154366011. Thank you, Joe D
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 J Dusi “The Don” - $100 = 33.32%
In for a case. @ttboy23 happy to split if you have an interest.
Anyone in SF or nearby Bay Area interested in a split? I am down for a 6/6 or a 4/4/4. I am happy to make the purchase and coordinate the logistics.
@davidj94112 interested. Inner Richmond.
@davidj94112 me too, on Mansell 94134.
@Tassadar @kylar Great! I will order a case and plan on a 4/4/4 split. Total will be just $63/person as I can use coupon code and have free shipping. I’ll circle back with you when it delivers.
@davidj94112 @kylar inner Richmond! Lived on 39/Geary (I think considered outer) in 2000 while attending USF Law! Great times
Remember a place called Tommy’s had the best tequila selection and freshly squeezed lime margaritas
@kylar @losthighwayz Love Tommy’s, though haven’t been there in a few years!!
@davidj94112 @losthighwayz yes one of my fave places for one too many.
@kylar @Tassadar The case of J. Dusi arrived today. LMK when it’s a good to complete our transactions. Tassadar, I am real close by you in Excelsior just on the other side of the park (on Russia Ave). klyar, Inner Richmond is other side of town so perhaps we can find a midpoint to meet. No hurry if you all want to wait until after the holidays.
Well well happy Friday…
had this to say:
Mr. Suckling
90 points. A fruity nose of cassis, dark cherries, blackberries and sweet spices. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Supple and fruit-driven with a straightforward character and a fruity, flavorful finish.
fwiw
Question to Janell or anyone who may know.I am a long time huge fan of Dusi Zin fruit through Risge and Turley, and took advantage and consumed a case of your last offering here on CM. Question I have is, I noticed 20% aged in American oak and am not wild about over powering oak. Can you let us know if the American oak is predominant in this wine? Ok, one last question, is the fruit from your own Dusi vineyard? Appreciate it!
@Leatherchair
Good morning, Janell Dusi here! This Cab blend is 20% American oak and 80% French oak… but only about 15% of that is NEW oak. I never use a ton of new oak on my wines, as I want the fruit to show its expression of where it was grown and my family who farms the grapes. This is not from the Old Vine Dusi Vineyard, but it is from vineyards that we own and farm as a family in Paso Robles! This is always a tasting room favorite, I just made a lot of this one blend in 2020!
@JDusiWines thank you very much for jumping on here. Your reply is definitely something like I hoped it would be. I just ordered a case. Thank you again.
Paso Robles is having a week! If I didn’t have 2 cases of last weekend’s Peachy Canyon Zin already weighing down the UPS truck, I’d be very tempted by this J Dusi blend. It must have been a fun afternoon for the WCC staffer who scouted these!
@baldwino0 wish it had been me.
@baldwino0 dooooo it and order. J Dusi is a favorite
@danidani12 Heh… not if I want to stay married!
@baldwino0 don’t worry about the UPS truck, they are heavy duty trucks, and most likely the wine will come on different days…
I’ve bought many cases of JDusi wines over the years, bottles are so pretty, I can’t make myself throw them away…so I’ve taken to putting them under the house in the crawl space….future generations will consider me a wino….they will be right…LOL (found some from the 1920’s under there, from my Grandfather when they built the house, had to add to the collection)
@mrn1 @xena67 @scott0210 @mehnyblooms @croutonollie @Boatman72 @docjavadude @pjmartin @KCountry @CroutonOllie @HopHeadB
If anyone in NEO wants in on part of the case, let me know. Cheers!
/giphy jovial-excellent-merrymaking
Well (grumble), missed the earlier offers for SF Bay Area splits (grumble), so if any one would like to pick up some bottles, SF to SJ or SCrz, I’m in (grumble) for a case (grumble)
/giphy cherished-cheerful-ribbon
/giphy grumble
Will this ever ship ???
@joed10303 I thought I remembered it but did look back at it & it did say on the sale that ship date is 1/2/24. I am eager as well;) Happy Holidays!
@joed10303 Shipping gods heard us…just got my email it shipped! Enjoy
This is one of the best wines I’ve had in a while. Thanks casemates!
@danidani12 Agreed, I’m so happy I went with a case of this one!
If anyone near Sarasota, Fl would like to know if doesn’t Janell Dusi will be here 1/27 @ the Butcher’s block for wine tasting! Also, at a Cork’s & Forks event 1/22
I’m very impressed with this wine. My wife and I agree that this one of the best we’ve had in years! I hope to see it back in CM soon!