Robertparker.com
"This 2017 is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc, with most of the fruit coming from Phelp’s St Helena vineyard this year. “But,” winemaker Ashley Hepworth told me, “we declassified a lot of wine - sold a lot on the bulk market. We had some tough blending decisions.” Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon sashays out of the glass with open-knit, alluring baked plums, stewed cherries, mulberries and warm cassis with hints of spice cake, cracked pepper and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of black berry and exotic spice layers, framed by soft tannins and lively freshness, finishing with impressive length. 12,270 cases were made - about half the normal production. 91 pointsThis 2017 is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc, with most of the fruit coming from Phelp’s St Helena vineyard this year. “But,” winemaker Ashley Hepworth told me, “we declassified a lot of wine - sold a lot on the bulk market. We had some tough blending decisions.” Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon sashays out of the glass with open-knit, alluring baked plums, stewed cherries, mulberries and warm cassis with hints of spice cake, cracked pepper and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of black berry and exotic spice layers, framed by soft tannins and lively freshness, finishing with impressive length. 12,270 cases were made - about half the normal production." 91 point
James Suckling
"Very aromatic with blueberries and blackcurrants, as well as red licorice. Floral, too. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and lightly chewy. Lovely depth of fruit here. Rich and flavorful. Extremely well done for the vintage. Shows more finesse and tightness than 2016. Very classic. One-third of the production. Try it. Drink after 2022, but already delicious." 95 point
Wine Enthusiast
"This is a beautiful wine, effusive in cassis, black cherry, woody cedar and sage. With small amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it offers substantial structure and tannin weight, with ample clove spice and toasted oak. It is built to age; enjoy best from 2025 to 2030." 95 point
Decanter
"Packed with both charm and character with a powerfully spicy punch. Clear espresso flavours alongside mocha, grilled sarments, cassis and smoked bilberries. There are confident, ripped tannins also showing a muscular structure that is going to go the distance. Blend completed with 1% Cabernet Franc, aged in 48% new oak. Second vintage on the Place. Drinking Window 2022 - 2038" 94 point
Om tidligere årgang
James Suckling
"This has very bright and juicy, brambly dark berries with a wealth of attractive and juicy dark-fruit presence. This has depth, detail and long, layered dark-fruit flavors. Impressively chiseled finish." 94 points
International Wine Report
"The 2016 Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the finest release of this wine I have come across in quite some time. This instantly impresses as it bursts open with seductive aromas of ripe dark currants and black cherries woven together with sweet baking spices, mocha, sage and hints of dusty minerals. On the palate this is full-bodied and voluptuous, with beautifully polished tannins. It displays outstanding overall depth with layers of beautifully ripe dark fruits and sweet spice flavors resonating through the opulent finish. This is a total success from the team at Joseph Phelps."
94 points
Robertparker.com
"Deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of crushed blackcurrants, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with suggestions of cigar box, menthol, rose hip tea and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with vibrant black fruit laced with plenty of spicy sparks, framed by grainy tannins and oodles of freshness and finishing long with a menthol kick." 93 points
Wine Enthusiast
"This lovely wine shows exceptional quality and complexity within a bold, expansive package of thick, grippy tannin and layered flavors of blackberry, tobacco and smoked meat." 93 points
Vinous
"The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is once again a huge overachiever. Plum, black cherry, spice, mocha and new leather are front and center. Pliant and giving, with striking purity of fruit and remarkable balance, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a winner from Phelps" 92 points
Om producenten
Joseph Phelps Vineyards blev grundlagt i 1972, og er beliggende i byen St. Helena i hjertet af Napa Valley, hvor man råder over nogle af de allerbedste vinmarker i hele dalen. Velkendt for sin pioner ånd og passion for kvalitet stod Joseph Phelps i vingårdens første år bag en række nyskabelser i den californiske vinverden.
Årgang 1974 af flagskibet Insignia var ved lanceringen i 1978 den første Bordeaux blend produceret i Californien udelukkende på egne druer. Ligeledes i 1970´erne var Joseph Phelps ophavsmand til at den californiske vinverden genopdagede Syrah-druen, som ellers havde ført en hensygnende tilværelse i Californien indtil da.