Joseph Phelps - Cabernet Sauvignon

Anthocyanes

92 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe10/4/2021

Joli nez mentholé, un peu épices, fruits noirs avec un bel éclat et une fraicheur affirmée. Touche boisée, des tanins élégants et frais, une matière juteuse et distinguée. Une belle construction de bouche qui permettra une garde moyenne (5 à 10 ans).

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe7/23/2021

Ripe and lush up front, with waves of cassis, mulled plum and blackberry compote underscored by singed alder and graphite on the finish, adding grip. This is packed and well-built. Best from 2022 through 2032. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 36,000 cases made. — JM

Jamessuckling.com

96 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/23/2021

Very pretty blackberry, blackcurrant, walnut, forest-flower and dark-walnut aromas follow through to a full body with round, juicy tannins that are fine-grained and beautiful. Lovely length and generosity, but reserved at the finish to give it tension. Mostly from the Soscol vineyard. 97% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.

Jeb DUNNUCK

92 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe1/27/2021

The larger production 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley shows the vintage nicely and has a classic, balanced, medium to full-bodied style that offers textbook Cabernet Sauvignon notes of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, damp earth, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied and nicely concentrated, this is a young, relatively unevolved, yet beautifully balanced 2018 that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 10-15 years.

Vinous

93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe1/4/2021

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is bright, punchy and full of energy. Sweet red berry, mocha, licorice, spice, menthol and a kiss of new French oak all grace the 2018. Plummy and pliant, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate, but it has the pedigree to develop nicely for a number of years. Most of this fruit is sourced from vineyards in the southern end of the valley.

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe11/5/2020

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, coming from vineyard locations in south Napa Valley, St. Helena, Oak Knoll District and Stags Leap District. It was aged for 18 months in 40% new (51% American, 49% French) and 60% one- to two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it does pirouettes out of the glass with notes of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries and ripe blackcurrants plus hints of lilacs, menthol, forest floor and pencil shavings with a touch of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate is as intense as it is elegant, featuring layers of fresh black and blue fruits and gentle herbal accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and minerally. 36,000 cases were made. 92+

Jeb DUNNUCK

90-92 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe1/31/2020

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is similarly colored and has terrific notes of crème de cassis, ground herbs, earth, and tobacco. It's fresh, medium-bodied, has good concentration, beautiful balance, and fine tannins.

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe1/6/2020

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) shows just how compelling this mainstay Cabernet can be in a favorable vintage. Explosive aromatics and vibrant fruit fill out the wine's frame effortlessly. The 2018 is rich, sumptuous and flat-out delicious. Lavender, spice, plum, leather and dried herbs add layers of complexity.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe10/31/2019

Composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals vivacious notions of crushed black currants, red currant jelly, fresh blackberries and Morello cherries with touches of garrigue, bay leaves, damp soil and cedar chest. Medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant and charged with energy, featured loads of crunchy black and red fruit plus a refreshing backbone, finishing on an appealing chewy note.