Joseph Phelps Vineyards Spring Release Event (Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Valley): Poured from a 6-liter bottle. Nose of black berry, black cherry, plum, allspice, and spring flowers, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, young wine, in this format it needs 7 years to peak, hints of soft tannins on the lovely, long finish and lovely aftertaste, what a treat, enjoyed 3 pours.
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PnP. Same tasting notes as my last bottle, though this one was extra smooth but still had some freshness at the end. Not overly extracted, which I like. Seems like it’s at the apex but could hold here for a couple years.
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Medium dark red color. Fragrant herb, tobacco, cassis, and hint of balsamic in the bouquet. Very complex. On the palate, it’s has a smooth, soft, entry. Medium to full-bodied with ripe dark fruit. Mild tannins in the finish, it’s very enjoyable for current drinking. Excellent varietal definition and very good length. The Phelps “standard” Cabernet Sauvignon bottling is one of the best and most consistent around. I often prefer it to many California reserve Cabernets than can often be too oaky and over extracted for my taste. This wine is right in my wheelhouse and an excellent value as well.
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Deep red plum color, "Dusty" nose with the slightest suggestion of mint. Very mellow feel on the tongue. Light hit of mixed fruits. Noticeable earthiness, or, maybe, charcoal under the rear palate. Tannin is, pretty much, resolved.
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Opening a special bottle for Christmas Eve and this does not disappoint. Gave about 2h air, not entirely sure that was necessary. Inky ruby color. Raspberry, blackberry, dark chocolate, forest floor and white pepper on the nose. Creamy texture, full-bodied, with firm chalky tannins that could still resolve a bit. Deep flavors of red and black berry, with a funky leather streak through the lingering finish. But this has grace and depth in equal measure, very much an iron fist in a velvet glove.
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simply exceptional, wide spread praise from all. The definition of a Napa Cab, deep, rich tobacco notes, great texture. Excellent The wine looks garnet colored. It smells like tobacco. It tastes like coffee, raisin and light toast. The body is full. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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This wine has improved since I last tried a bottle in November of 2019. I opened and slow ox'd it for three hours and then took to our club for the Sunday night family dinner and then slowly drank over three hours at dinner. Dark fruit on the nose. The palate was dark berries, plums and coffee. The finish was moderate to long. It is aging nicely.
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{shaking my head} 1 of 3 bottles. PnP for dinner which is rare for me. That was a mistake. Don't do this. The wine needs at least 60 min of airtime to enjoy. Nose started showing at 60+ and it's nice. I'm going to save the rest of the bottle for tomorrow and I'll update. Keep in mind I'm not technical on descriptions, but I know enough to not waste a good wine without giving it proper respect (airtime). Next revisit in 2025. CT knows I've got way too much JPV.
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Dark berries on nose and palate. On day 1, this was a little austere as the tannins were not yet integrated (after one hour decant)-rated 88. Left 1/2 of bottle alone for a couple of days and on day 4, it was well integrated with a smoothness to it and a nice, medium finish. Others seem to have had similar experience, so I think it best to wait a couple of more years to finish off other bottles.
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Solid Cali Cab after 1.5 hr aeration, the wine really integrates after the second day, still plenty room for longer storage, the fruit is intact and tannins are smoothing down.
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Popped cork night before, recorked until noon, uncorked and kept at cellar temp until 7pm. Nose showing red fruits, leather, charcoal. Fabulous mouthfeel, rich red fruit, pencil shavings, medium acid, very round tannins coat the palate. Very long finish. Still quite young, definitely showed better with pre-opening routine. Drink over next 5-10 years.
I must say that in the last few years I have underestimate this wine, we had it side by side with "his mother" Insignia and it was less complex and shorter in its finish, but man, this is a really great value! at around $55 per bottle I can drink this all day long every day....
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Needs more time. Damp earth, fresh mushrooms, firm tannins, medium length. Has the beginning of nice soft sweet berry finish, but just not there yet. I will wait a year on this.
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This is quite big. Dense and creamy with a lactic oak creamy vibe (unusual for this wine), it shows great power and concentration. We'll balanced cassis and licorice dominated wine with some smoke and creaminess. Very long finish....This is smoking right now. Drink
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Needs 30 minutes in a decanter to be "round" and smooth. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. The body is medium. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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Opened and drank over 4 hours. The nose was all fruit. The palate was berries, red plums, some mocha and a touch of wood. The finish was moderate to long.
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Overwrought, and over-oaked. It's not what it used to be.
I'm really sad that I don't like it anymore. In 2+ decades, my palate has changed, sure. But Phelps Estate Cab has definitely changed too. When I revisit some of the other wineries that I liked back when I was first getting into wine (Clos Pegase, St. Supery, sequoia Grove, Whitehall Lane), I still taste what I liked back then. But not with Phelps.
This may seem over the top, but the way it tastes now even cheapens the quality tasting experiences my wife and I had there in the late 90s, early 2000s. What the hell happened? Blech.
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This wine to me was nothing special at all. Some blackberry notes, a little bit of tannins, but to me tastes like a $12.99 bottle. Very average and disappointing.
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Delicious and approachable now. If you want to enjoy the little sibling of Insignia, but you don't want to wait 10 years for it to mature, this is a good wine for you and it is a fraction of the price. Only thing holding it back from a higher score is that the tannin was slightly grainy on the finish.
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Surprisingly good! A bit tight initially, but opened up within minutes. Improved with time and produced a wonderful nose of dark fruits with some floral aromas. Delicious taste of dark fruits with some herbal and leathery undertones. A short decant would have made it even better.
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Day 1 Classic Napa Cab, deep dark purple color, elegant and solid bouquet to the nose, a bomb of red berries and blue berries integrated with very subtle oak notes. Medium/full body with a long finish. Tannins still on the chewy stage need sometime to integrate better. Day 6 It got much better and integrated.
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Fantastic Cabernet for a decent restaurant night out (Umstead, NC). All the classic cab notes you want in a high quality wrapping. Would drink this all day.
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Average, soft and closed on the nose, medium body and average finish. Some dark berries and got interesting after an hour but did't met my expectations. I will wait 2-3 years before opening the other bottles I have...
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Aging very nicely since tasting earlier this year. Toasted oak and cassis prominent on the nose. Backberry, stoniness and plum on the palate. Long leathery tannins.
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cheers - this wine is over-rated and expensive for the value...average at best and questionable on how it will age. I will say day 2 was better than day 1.
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Not typically my style, but this was surprisingly a bit more restrained than I expected. Which was good for me. Strong black and red fruit dominant, prominent oak, some earthiness. Some heat, medium-heavy body, med-heavy tannins, low acidity. Fine for a pop-and pour restaurant cab with normies who arent wine nerds.
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Had at Tao Uptown in NYC. Lovely. Lots of fruit again (second 2014 cab in as many days). No secondary flavours but as this opened up after an hour it showed it’s real potential for the future. Lots of life ahead of this big Napa cab. Looking forward to trying this again in the future! 88
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I must admit...at pop and pour, I was a bit perplexed. Very fruit forward (raspberry jam, blackberry, fig) and soft, but there was also a dirty/earthiness to it in the middle that threw me for a loop. Just didn’t seem like it belonged. On day 2, the structure and finish really beefed up and showed what I remember having a few months ago. More blueberries and spicy red fruit came in to play which added the ying to the mineral and earthy yang in the middle, and the finish was quite a bit more tannic.
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classically built napa cab. Good structure, dark plush fruits, and well balanced acid. Unfortunately the overall experience is relatively plain and not a very interesting wine.
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Vinturied/decanted, color and nose classic Phelps, body and finish lacking at this point, even thin. It bacame disjointed after a few hours, this is not as plush as the 13’, and never will be. I’ve tried a handful of higher end 14’ Napa cabs vs 13’s, so far 13 is where the chips fall. All the 14s have been a lot like this btl, thin and somewhat disjointed. Cellaring will improve it, but money is spent better somewhere else. Not a re-buy.
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Long time fan of Phelps. Been drinking since 03 and have every year including Insignias. This was a bit of a disappointment. I feel that the 14 is just not ready yet. It lacked the complexity I have come to expect from Phelps at this price point. Had a week nose but still had the full body. Finish was dry but lacked structure/Flavor. I assume and expect this to get better in the bottle. My 89 is because I expect more from J Phelps. Will try again latter in year or next. Until then I still have my 13's that are outstanding!
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Very solid wine here. Plush, polished textures, ripe, black and red fruits and a blast of licorice and smoke in the endnote. You can drink this now, or cellar it for more complexity.
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Deep garnet color with slow legs. Earthy aromas of dust, forest floor, mushroom and oak. On the palate black currant (cassis) and stoniness. The body is full with leathery texture and long finish. Good aging potential.
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Smooth, I didn't decant but probably needs it as it improved over the evening and started to open up, but needs time in the bottle I think. I was maybe a bit disappointed or expected more, earthy on the nose and not a fruit bomb. I don't think I'll touch another one for at least a year.
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30 minute powered decant. Deep garnet with a violet translucent rim. Very woodsy (mostly oak and cedar) and earthy aroma and flavor. Flavors also include blackberry. Smooth mouthfeel. Medium to high tannins and acidity. Some nice "chalkiness" throughout but has a somewhat sour finish. I had higher expectations for this wine but suspect it will improve over the years. About a 89-90 for now.
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I am always impressed with this Phelps bottling. You have to be in the mood for something rich, yet just rich enough, complex and spicy. The wine is definitely red fruit dominated with lots of complexity and an earthy backbone that reveals itself on the back end a bit. Time and time over again, I like Napa wines much better on release than their aged version. These wines are much fun and full of life and energy. Long finish....Drink
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Decanted but was drinking nicely pretty quickly, after 15 minutes or so. Very approachable. Nose of plum and chalk. Palate of Cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla, cigar box. Mild tannins, smooth and elegant. Very enjoyable.
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Tasted the bottle at Hyatt Centric Park City. Approachable already and likely to peak soon; I wouldn't hold past 2020 though as it doesn't have sufficient acidity to go beyond that, in my opinion. Silky cabernet fruit with a noticeable Napa style that highlights the fruit texture and near-term drinking pleasure. Should improve over the next 1-2 years.
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Definitely ready to drink today. Light tannins, so you can also lay down. Another great vintage from Phelps. Nice job. Decanted for 15 min...thats it... :)
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Their regular Cab can be really nice in good vintages and this was one of those vintages. Still has some tannins to resolve but can be drunk now with a long decant.
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Winebar [1 Rosé, 3 Whts, & 6 Reds] from 06/23/2017 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 84% C.S., 8% Merlot, 4% P.V, 2% Malbec, & 2% C.F. from estate-grown Napa Valley vyds, harvested 9/16-10/13/14. "Grapes were sorted & cold soaked prior to fermentation. The wine was aged for 18 mos in 45% new oak barrels (55% FR, 45% AM) and 55% two-year-old FR & AM oak barrels before bottling in June 2016. The barrel coopers used included Ermitage, François Frères, Demptos (FR & AM), Canton (AM), and Barrel Associates (AM)." 14.5% ABV; 27,000 cases
P: MF, poss F, body; Almost swtish frt (VERY slightly hot?) QUICKLY met by an ALMOST lip smacking pucker which fairly seamlessly morphs into a LONG, still very slightly puckery, ult bitterswt finish. While tempting now (assuming you're a fan of high acidity), this deserves/NEEDS 18-30 mos then making its 10th yr... min. Very, VERY nicely done in a big, ripe, Napa style! :) 93 pts ea Suckling, WE @ $75, & Decanter (Panel), 92 ea Jeb Dunnuck & WA, 91 Vinous (Galloni), 87 Decanter (Brook), 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson, & Silver @ '17 TEXSOM Int'l Wine Awards! [Now unavail @ the tasted $55.95, as of early Feb '19 wine-searcher still shows numerous U.S. vendors @ $60-$87.]
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Dark ruby. Rich nose with dark cocoa, black fruits, vanilla, and cinnamon. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) and full bodied. Well balanced with oak influences. Notes of a cigar box, black fruits, cocoa, vanilla and a little earthy. Long finish. Drink till 2026.
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Garnet with ruby rim and glass-staining legs; subtle nose of vanilla, graphite and black cherry; palate follows nose with addition of leather, tar and char; well balanced with medium plus tannins, acidity and fruit; lovely wine and decent value
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Red and black fruit driven. The silky and creamy mouthfeel makes it hard to resist to go back for more. The finish and tannin structure are a bit lacking for cabernet. However, this will easily be enjoyed anytime over the next decade.
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Generally find that I like Phelps' Insignia, not so much the cab. This vintage surprised me with the quality of fruit and well rounded character. Still needs a little time to soften tannins, but well worth the wait.
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Coravin'ed few ounces to a glass and aired out for 1.5 - 2 hours. Not as opulent as the 2013 vintage, but very good quality made wine, soft tannins, good amount of acid, nice fruity aroma. 92 for now.
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4/19/2024 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Spring Release Event (Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Valley): Poured from a 6-liter bottle. Nose of black berry, black cherry, plum, allspice, and spring flowers, same on the palate, big body, very tasty, young wine, in this format it needs 7 years to peak, hints of soft tannins on the lovely, long finish and lovely aftertaste, what a treat, enjoyed 3 pours.
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2/22/2024 - dfcrutcher Likes this wine: 93 Points
Rich, smooth and concentrated with blackberry, currant and plum. Still young. Could use a bit more of an acidic bite.
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12/12/2023 - Dine&Vine Likes this wine: 92 Points
PnP. Same tasting notes as my last bottle, though this one was extra smooth but still had some freshness at the end. Not overly extracted, which I like. Seems like it’s at the apex but could hold here for a couple years.
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11/11/2023 - VinhoVerde Likes this wine: 92 Points
Medium dark red color. Fragrant herb, tobacco, cassis, and hint of balsamic in the bouquet. Very complex. On the palate, it’s has a smooth, soft, entry. Medium to full-bodied with ripe dark fruit. Mild tannins in the finish, it’s very enjoyable for current drinking. Excellent varietal definition and very good length.
The Phelps “standard” Cabernet Sauvignon bottling is one of the best and most consistent around. I often prefer it to many California reserve Cabernets than can often be too oaky and over extracted for my taste. This wine is right in my wheelhouse and an excellent value as well.
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9/16/2023 - jzebrack Likes this wine: 93 Points
We have found the regular old Phelps cab's to age wonderfully. Doesn't matter what vintage. They easily age at least 10 years, and drink silky smooth.
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9/15/2023 - Winowhyno Likes this wine: 92 Points
3 more years in the cellar made a big difference.
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8/6/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:
Deep red plum color, "Dusty" nose with the slightest suggestion of mint. Very mellow feel on the tongue. Light hit of mixed fruits. Noticeable earthiness, or, maybe, charcoal under the rear palate. Tannin is, pretty much, resolved.
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4/1/2023 - om42 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking nicely at this point.
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12/24/2022 - daveyk39 wrote: 93 Points
Opening a special bottle for Christmas Eve and this does not disappoint. Gave about 2h air, not entirely sure that was necessary. Inky ruby color. Raspberry, blackberry, dark chocolate, forest floor and white pepper on the nose. Creamy texture, full-bodied, with firm chalky tannins that could still resolve a bit. Deep flavors of red and black berry, with a funky leather streak through the lingering finish. But this has grace and depth in equal measure, very much an iron fist in a velvet glove.
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12/4/2022 - Colorado3G wrote: 91 Points
My last bottle was in 2018 and this has evolved nicely and gained a few more points in our book!
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6/28/2022 - noni15 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Day 1 : 92 pts.
Day 2 : 93 pts.
It needs more time to mellow down the tannins.
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5/29/2022 - mhenry Likes this wine:
Last bottle. With filet mignon. Good bottle. Drinking 2nd half tonight.
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5/20/2022 - Plush05 wrote: 88 Points
Just ok. Lacks depth. More mid palate than my preference. Not particularly special.
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4/15/2022 - Plush05 wrote: 90 Points
A bit acidic for my taste. Tart. Almost cranberry tart. Nice but reminded me more of Merlot, just not quite my preference.
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2/26/2022 - Dine&Vine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Definitely in a good spot today. Lush, deep flavors of dark chocolate covered cherries. Sublime texture and nice finish.
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11/21/2021 - Ctbertelli Likes this wine: 93 Points
A bit acidic to start… opened up and then delicious and smooth and super full bodied
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11/14/2021 - econnertx Likes this wine: 98 Points
simply exceptional, wide spread praise from all. The definition of a Napa Cab, deep, rich tobacco notes, great texture. Excellent
The wine looks garnet colored. It smells like tobacco. It tastes like coffee, raisin and light toast. The body is full. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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8/9/2021 - Alfaro wrote: 93 Points
Drank over 2 days allowing it open and develop
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5/16/2021 - markcic Likes this wine: 91 Points
This wine has improved since I last tried a bottle in November of 2019. I opened and slow ox'd it for three hours and then took to our club for the Sunday night family dinner and then slowly drank over three hours at dinner. Dark fruit on the nose. The palate was dark berries, plums and coffee. The finish was moderate to long. It is aging nicely.
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2/16/2021 - sfbikeguy wrote: 91 Points
{shaking my head} 1 of 3 bottles. PnP for dinner which is rare for me. That was a mistake. Don't do this. The wine needs at least 60 min of airtime to enjoy. Nose started showing at 60+ and it's nice. I'm going to save the rest of the bottle for tomorrow and I'll update. Keep in mind I'm not technical on descriptions, but I know enough to not waste a good wine without giving it proper respect (airtime). Next revisit in 2025. CT knows I've got way too much JPV.
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2/13/2021 - samiamx_1999 wrote: 92 Points
Drinking beautifully now...
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1/17/2021 - leewines wrote: 91 Points
Good fruit.
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1/1/2021 - JackCali Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent drinking well now with low tannin
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12/31/2020 - CJM wrote: 86 Points
Clear deep garnet with slight rim browning. Cigar box, menthol. black cherry. Low acids, very low tannins. White pepper. Short balanced finish.
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11/23/2020 - gew71walsh wrote: 92 Points
Dark berries on nose and palate. On day 1, this was a little austere as the tannins were not yet integrated (after one hour decant)-rated 88. Left 1/2 of bottle alone for a couple of days and on day 4, it was well integrated with a smoothness to it and a nice, medium finish. Others seem to have had similar experience, so I think it best to wait a couple of more years to finish off other bottles.
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10/23/2020 - noni15 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Day 1: 93 pts.
Day 2: 93-94 pts.
Day 3 : 94 pts.
Solid Cali Cab after 1.5 hr aeration, the wine really integrates after the second day, still plenty room for longer storage, the fruit is intact and tannins are smoothing down.
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10/17/2020 - esw423 Likes this wine: 93 Points
One hour slow ox. Virtual tasting with GK. Classic Napa cab loaded with ripe red fruit and smooth finish. Didn’t show as well on Day 2/3.
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10/10/2020 - GA_Seattle Likes this wine: 94 Points
Popped cork night before, recorked until noon, uncorked and kept at cellar temp until 7pm. Nose showing red fruits, leather, charcoal. Fabulous mouthfeel, rich red fruit, pencil shavings, medium acid, very round tannins coat the palate. Very long finish. Still quite young, definitely showed better with pre-opening routine. Drink over next 5-10 years.
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8/21/2020 - noni15 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lots of ripe red and blue berries, and cassis. Full body with a long finish. Plenty more life ahead.
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8/1/2020 - Slammin Sammie Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow - silky smooth wine, subtle on palate. Well worth the money.
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7/26/2020 - gteran76 Likes this wine: 93 Points
I must say that in the last few years I have underestimate this wine, we had it side by side with "his mother" Insignia and it was less complex and shorter in its finish, but man, this is a really great value! at around $55 per bottle I can drink this all day long every day....
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6/13/2020 - Stevethebeav wrote: 90 Points
Needs more time. Damp earth, fresh mushrooms, firm tannins, medium length. Has the beginning of nice soft sweet berry finish, but just not there yet. I will wait a year on this.
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4/2/2020 - noni15 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Not ready at all...rough tannins that smoothed up after 5 days....
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3/27/2020 - Wine_Bear Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wine was properly stored from purchase upon release until consumed.
Dark fruit, plum, black berries, dark cherry, dark spice.
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2/16/2020 - Purple Tooth wrote: 93 Points
This is quite big. Dense and creamy with a lactic oak creamy vibe (unusual for this wine), it shows great power and concentration. We'll balanced cassis and licorice dominated wine with some smoke and creaminess. Very long finish....This is smoking right now. Drink
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12/25/2019 - pgartner Likes this wine: 92 Points
Needs 30 minutes in a decanter to be "round" and smooth.
The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. The body is medium. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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11/19/2019 - markcic Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened and drank over 4 hours. The nose was all fruit. The palate was berries, red plums, some mocha and a touch of wood. The finish was moderate to long.
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11/13/2019 - goldendomer2001 Does not like this wine: 87 Points
Overwrought, and over-oaked. It's not what it used to be.
I'm really sad that I don't like it anymore. In 2+ decades, my palate has changed, sure. But Phelps Estate Cab has definitely changed too. When I revisit some of the other wineries that I liked back when I was first getting into wine (Clos Pegase, St. Supery, sequoia Grove, Whitehall Lane), I still taste what I liked back then. But not with Phelps.
This may seem over the top, but the way it tastes now even cheapens the quality tasting experiences my wife and I had there in the late 90s, early 2000s. What the hell happened? Blech.
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9/25/2019 - Les Raisins Du Aron wrote: 88 Points
This wine to me was nothing special at all. Some blackberry notes, a little bit of tannins, but to me tastes like a $12.99 bottle. Very average and disappointing.
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9/21/2019 - samiamx_1999 wrote:
Heavy and tasty, but too young.
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9/15/2019 - Richard Bradford wrote:
Opened 3 hours before steak dinner.
Wow
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7/17/2019 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delicious and approachable now. If you want to enjoy the little sibling of Insignia, but you don't want to wait 10 years for it to mature, this is a good wine for you and it is a fraction of the price. Only thing holding it back from a higher score is that the tannin was slightly grainy on the finish.
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6/28/2019 - jyensan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Surprisingly good! A bit tight initially, but opened up within minutes. Improved with time and produced a wonderful nose of dark fruits with some floral aromas. Delicious taste of dark fruits with some herbal and leathery undertones. A short decant would have made it even better.
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6/16/2019 - Andrea_H Likes this wine:
Amazing at 5 years in 2019
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6/10/2019 - Mdubnik Likes this wine: 94 Points
Superb after a sixty minute decant!
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6/1/2019 - richshoes Likes this wine: 92 Points
Almost as good as Insignia...refined and exquisite...feminine with nice cherry, dark fruit and long finish. Well balanced. Great value.
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5/3/2019 - GranadaPedroAlarcon Likes this wine: 93 Points
Absolutely outstanding and it is great deal for the value. Very rich wine with a mint and licorice taste. Love the wine
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2/6/2019 - noni15 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Day 1
Classic Napa Cab, deep dark purple color, elegant and solid bouquet to the nose, a bomb of red berries and blue berries integrated with very subtle oak notes. Medium/full body with a long finish. Tannins still on the chewy stage need sometime to integrate better.
Day 6
It got much better and integrated.
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2/4/2019 - mats13 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Fantastic Cabernet for a decent restaurant night out (Umstead, NC). All the classic cab notes you want in a high quality wrapping. Would drink this all day.
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2/1/2019 - gteran76 wrote: 90 Points
Average, soft and closed on the nose, medium body and average finish. Some dark berries and got interesting after an hour but did't met my expectations. I will wait 2-3 years before opening the other bottles I have...
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11/7/2018 - Twopawsup Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aging very nicely since tasting earlier this year. Toasted oak and cassis prominent on the nose. Backberry, stoniness and plum on the palate. Long leathery tannins.
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9/10/2018 - franm wrote: 86 Points
cheers - this wine is over-rated and expensive for the value...average at best and questionable on how it will age. I will say day 2 was better than day 1.
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8/23/2018 - Winowhyno Likes this wine: 88 Points
unruly tannins....somewhat harsh finish...not as good as the 2013. Probably won't buy again.
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8/22/2018 - ericindc wrote: 89 Points
Not typically my style, but this was surprisingly a bit more restrained than I expected. Which was good for me. Strong black and red fruit dominant, prominent oak, some earthiness. Some heat, medium-heavy body, med-heavy tannins, low acidity. Fine for a pop-and pour restaurant cab with normies who arent wine nerds.
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6/24/2018 - Cohn Man Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tannins still have some bite. Has good potential and will revisit again in 5 years or so.
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5/12/2018 - KendraPM wrote: 90 Points
Still okay and tannic. Needs to age a few years to express the fruits.
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4/22/2018 - bordeaux456 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Had at Tao Uptown in NYC. Lovely. Lots of fruit again (second 2014 cab in as many days). No secondary flavours but as this opened up after an hour it showed it’s real potential for the future. Lots of life ahead of this big Napa cab. Looking forward to trying this again in the future! 88
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4/22/2018 - Shay.Aldriedge Likes this wine: 91 Points
I must admit...at pop and pour, I was a bit perplexed. Very fruit forward (raspberry jam, blackberry, fig) and soft, but there was also a dirty/earthiness to it in the middle that threw me for a loop. Just didn’t seem like it belonged. On day 2, the structure and finish really beefed up and showed what I remember having a few months ago. More blueberries and spicy red fruit came in to play which added the ying to the mineral and earthy yang in the middle, and the finish was quite a bit more tannic.
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4/21/2018 - sung251 wrote: 88 Points
classically built napa cab. Good structure, dark plush fruits, and well balanced acid. Unfortunately the overall experience is relatively plain and not a very interesting wine.
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4/18/2018 - Vhina wrote:
Delicious. Would buy again. Still good day 3
We
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4/13/2018 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Sweet oak and mocha, Structure, grace, delicious stuff.
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4/12/2018 - wino121 wrote: 89 Points
Vinturied/decanted, color and nose classic Phelps, body and finish lacking at this point, even thin.
It bacame disjointed after a few hours, this is not as plush as the 13’, and never will be.
I’ve tried a handful of higher end 14’ Napa cabs vs 13’s, so far 13 is where the chips fall.
All the 14s have been a lot like this btl, thin and somewhat disjointed.
Cellaring will improve it, but money is spent better somewhere else.
Not a re-buy.
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4/5/2018 - PierreBrusso Likes this wine: 94 Points
Classic Napa cabernet. Great bouquet, layers of complexity, long finish. Could use a few more years in cellar.
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3/30/2018 - drinknick31 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Long time fan of Phelps. Been drinking since 03 and have every year including Insignias. This was a bit of a disappointment. I feel that the 14 is just not ready yet. It lacked the complexity I have come to expect from Phelps at this price point. Had a week nose but still had the full body. Finish was dry but lacked structure/Flavor. I assume and expect this to get better in the bottle. My 89 is because I expect more from J Phelps. Will try again latter in year or next. Until then I still have my 13's that are outstanding!
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3/29/2018 - KendraPM wrote: 90 Points
Very fruit forward
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3/21/2018 - daisyluv3 Likes this wine:
Oak, Ash, good w beef
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3/18/2018 - Collector1855 wrote: 93 Points
During a walkabout tasting, so only brief impressions. A very correct Napa CabSav that does not break the bank. Dark fruit, pine, oak.
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3/15/2018 - Jeff Leve wrote: 92 Points
Very solid wine here. Plush, polished textures, ripe, black and red fruits and a blast of licorice and smoke in the endnote. You can drink this now, or cellar it for more complexity.
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2/28/2018 - Twopawsup Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep garnet color with slow legs. Earthy aromas of dust, forest floor, mushroom and oak. On the palate black currant (cassis) and stoniness. The body is full with leathery texture and long finish. Good aging potential.
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2/10/2018 - Colorado3G Likes this wine: 89 Points
Smooth, I didn't decant but probably needs it as it improved over the evening and started to open up, but needs time in the bottle I think. I was maybe a bit disappointed or expected more, earthy on the nose and not a fruit bomb. I don't think I'll touch another one for at least a year.
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1/20/2018 - RockyII Likes this wine: 90 Points
30 minute powered decant. Deep garnet with a violet translucent rim. Very woodsy (mostly oak and cedar) and earthy aroma and flavor. Flavors also include blackberry. Smooth mouthfeel. Medium to high tannins and acidity. Some nice "chalkiness" throughout but has a somewhat sour finish. I had higher expectations for this wine but suspect it will improve over the years. About a 89-90 for now.
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1/13/2018 - Purple Tooth wrote: 93 Points
I am always impressed with this Phelps bottling. You have to be in the mood for something rich, yet just rich enough, complex and spicy. The wine is definitely red fruit dominated with lots of complexity and an earthy backbone that reveals itself on the back end a bit. Time and time over again, I like Napa wines much better on release than their aged version. These wines are much fun and full of life and energy. Long finish....Drink
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1/6/2018 - matthewearl Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted but was drinking nicely pretty quickly, after 15 minutes or so. Very approachable. Nose of plum and chalk. Palate of Cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla, cigar box. Mild tannins, smooth and elegant. Very enjoyable.
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1/2/2018 - Not404 wrote: 90 Points
Good foundation but needs more time
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12/31/2017 - wineguy1968 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Prominent oak and vanilla on nose. Nice but needs time maybe another year?
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12/31/2017 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 90 Points
A very settle cab. Enjoyable for everyday
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12/25/2017 - Slaz wrote: 91 Points
Tasted the bottle at Hyatt Centric Park City. Approachable already and likely to peak soon; I wouldn't hold past 2020 though as it doesn't have sufficient acidity to go beyond that, in my opinion. Silky cabernet fruit with a noticeable Napa style that highlights the fruit texture and near-term drinking pleasure. Should improve over the next 1-2 years.
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11/30/2017 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
Definitely ready to drink today. Light tannins, so you can also lay down. Another great vintage from Phelps. Nice job. Decanted for 15 min...thats it... :)
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11/26/2017 - pc2006mg wrote: 90 Points
Good but not great. Most likely paid a bit too much for this.....
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8/20/2017 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Their regular Cab can be really nice in good vintages and this was one of those vintages. Still has some tannins to resolve but can be drunk now with a long decant.
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6/25/2017 - Sirwes Likes this wine: 92 Points
Good but too young to drink, would benefit from more aging.
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6/24/2017 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [1 Rosé, 3 Whts, & 6 Reds] from 06/23/2017 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 84% C.S., 8% Merlot, 4% P.V, 2% Malbec, & 2% C.F. from estate-grown Napa Valley vyds, harvested 9/16-10/13/14. "Grapes were sorted & cold soaked prior to fermentation. The wine was aged for 18 mos in 45% new oak barrels (55% FR, 45% AM) and 55% two-year-old FR & AM oak barrels before bottling in June 2016. The barrel coopers used included Ermitage, François Frères, Demptos (FR & AM), Canton (AM), and Barrel Associates (AM)." 14.5% ABV; 27,000 cases
N: Somewhat closed, but SEEMS ripe, rich, & deep; Intensity lurking!
P: MF, poss F, body; Almost swtish frt (VERY slightly hot?) QUICKLY met by an ALMOST lip smacking pucker which fairly seamlessly morphs into a LONG, still very slightly puckery, ult bitterswt finish. While tempting now (assuming you're a fan of high acidity), this deserves/NEEDS 18-30 mos then making its 10th yr... min. Very, VERY nicely done in a big, ripe, Napa style! :) 93 pts ea Suckling, WE @ $75, & Decanter (Panel), 92 ea Jeb Dunnuck & WA, 91 Vinous (Galloni), 87 Decanter (Brook), 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson, & Silver @ '17 TEXSOM Int'l Wine Awards! [Now unavail @ the tasted $55.95, as of early Feb '19 wine-searcher still shows numerous U.S. vendors @ $60-$87.]
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6/14/2017 - Millennial Drinkers wrote: 91 Points
Dark ruby. Rich nose with dark cocoa, black fruits, vanilla, and cinnamon. Medium plus tannins (6.5/10) and full bodied. Well balanced with oak influences. Notes of a cigar box, black fruits, cocoa, vanilla and a little earthy. Long finish. Drink till 2026.
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5/25/2017 - Brent25 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Garnet with ruby rim and glass-staining legs; subtle nose of vanilla, graphite and black cherry; palate follows nose with addition of leather, tar and char; well balanced with medium plus tannins, acidity and fruit; lovely wine and decent value
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5/23/2017 - ONEFIVE Likes this wine:
Red and black fruit driven.
The silky and creamy mouthfeel makes it hard to resist to go back for more.
The finish and tannin structure are a bit lacking for cabernet. However, this will easily be enjoyed anytime over the next decade.
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5/7/2017 - Lee Fining Likes this wine: 91 Points
Generally find that I like Phelps' Insignia, not so much the cab. This vintage surprised me with the quality of fruit and well rounded character. Still needs a little time to soften tannins, but well worth the wait.
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4/19/2017 - grafighter Likes this wine: 92 Points
Coravin'ed few ounces to a glass and aired out for 1.5 - 2 hours. Not as opulent as the 2013 vintage, but very good quality made wine, soft tannins, good amount of acid, nice fruity aroma. 92 for now.
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4/8/2017 - rossi.wine wrote: 92 Points
Rich, spicy, rather smooth with ripe tannins. Good acidity, could have a bit more lift, but very good. Nice length. 91-92+
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3/24/2017 - SKHof Likes this wine: 90 Points
Full bodied and nice for sipping. Better with more aeration.
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3/23/2017 - KVM wrote:
Dark red. Initially strong distinctively Cab nose and palate. Flavour fades rather quickly leaving oak and tannin. $75 USA ??? not for me.
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