January 6, 2024 - In perfect shape and still young.
October 27, 2023 - Fine. Kind of bland and overly sweet.
September 4, 2023 - Delightful. Even better on day 2 and 3.
September 2, 2023 - 2007 Phelps…what can I say? I should have waited another 5-7 years for it to be perfect. Palate enters as ripe, lush, ripe, velvety, slightly candied; strawberries, cherries & progresses into blackberries, black raspberries, black plum & stewed plums. The tannins round but still meaty. It glides effortlessly over the palate. Dark berry cola, charcoal, touch of lead pencil, dark, hearty Indian/Asian spices, some pepper, cedar, mix of fresh & dry tobacco, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, dark, melted chocolate, mocha powder, caramel notes, anise, dry to slightly moist, dark soils, Rutherford dust, mix of dry, soft herbs, dry crushed, limestone minerals, fresh, dark, red, flowers framed in violets/lavender for days, perfect, round, acidity with an incredibly well blended fruit & earth, nice tension and a beautiful finish that lasts minutes. I need another well stored bottle of 07 in 5-7 years. Velvet wrapped in silk. Phelps Napa is so incredible at 15-20 years of age regardless of vintage. This would be closer to 20-22 years plus. Just an hour decant. Might have been better w/ 3 hours or a second day bottle.
December 25, 2022 - At peak for sure. Bought as a library release and was my 2nd bottle on Xmas. This hits all the marks for me. Loved it.
July 15, 2022 - This is my last bottle of this wine from 2007 vintage. Most of what I said in my previous review still stands. The only addition is that the flavor of slightly bitter burnt chocolate, flavor is more pronounced now. Still a very good wine but I think it is time to drink it up.
May 14, 2022 - Gorgeous Napa cab. Amazing pure fruit, there is a sweet Napa quality but it doesn't feel manipulated. Oak is present but used judiciously. Amazing high tones of eucalyptus or mint. Long finish. Fine tannins. I think this is at peak but can last a few years.
I love Phelps cabs. There's something about the purity of the fruit that I find really pleasing.
This reminds me some of the 97 insignia, which is high praise from me, that's one of my favorite California wines of all time.
November 7, 2021 - Initial notes of berry compote, slightly candied, brown sugar, vanilla and coconut. On the palate the fruit is primary flavor so far. Nicely balanced. A couple hours in, more savory and dark notes present, still a lot of fruit as well.
June 4, 2021 - The legendary 07 vintage. Wine candy with & after Wagyu ribcap.
It’s on its 3-5 year peak cycle.
Candied & just a touch stewed; blackberries, blueberries, dry, dark cherries, creamy raspberries, bramble, pine syrup sap, melted caramel w/ nuts, dark chocolate, mocha powder, eucalyptus, mint, sage, bay leaf, splash of oregano, dark spice w/ some mid heat, dry top soil, rich forest floor, fresh & withering dark florals, lavender, violets, beautiful acidity with fine length, balance & elegantly polished.
April 27, 2021 - Cork came completely apart, was very dry, but looked like it held as wine as actually still quite fresh. It didn't show super great though, seemed a little out of balance with too much hot fruit, so not sure if some bottle variation still here. Still a nice cab, just not at the expected level. Try 2nd out of 3 sooner than later but wouldn't think it's past peak.