Had this alongside the 2012 Phelps SB. Interesting comparison. The 09 is darker color, less aromatic, less acidic, less fruit, more grass, more vanilla, fuller bodied (mainly due to lower acidity). It's okay in its own right, but not very SB-like. Now I see why SB is meant to be drunk fairly young. I don't see enough interesting characteristics in the 09 to offset the loss of fruit and acidity.
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(WineGate) Clear, medium lemon color. Clean nose of medium+ intensity, filled with yeast notes, biscuit but also ripe peach and tropical fruits with some herbs underneath. Expressive and still youthful. In the palate the wine is dry, with medium body and intensity, medium alcohol (13.5%), medium + acidity with yeast notes agian, almonds, pear and green apples, nicely balanced with a medium+ finish. Outstanding wine, premium price. Drinking now but could age further.
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A very enjoyable oaked sauv blanc. Fairly dark yellow-gold. Nose is very expressive with tropical fruits like mango and passion fruit, pronounced oakiness, floral scents and notes of honey and candied pergamod. Med-full bodied, rich and generous with balancing acidity and a long aftertaste. I believe this will be even better after a couple of years, having integrated the oak.
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Adding a point to my last note, as this wine really did prove itself in exactly the scenario I predicted before. It is the perfect opening wine at a gathering, as the folks that want a light wine early in the day are happy and the folks that are used to heavy Chardonnay are at least comfortable. A big hit and, if you can find it at the lower retail price, worth the money.
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Excellent level of acid for pairing with dishes such as white sauce pasta and fish. Aromas of green apples and lilac. Loved the fact that there was no presence of grass. I could easily restrict myself to only drinking this as my Sauvignon Blanc for the year.
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Really quite good. Probably not worth the $32 winery price, but at $22 retail it's not bad. Nice acidity and minerality, lots of citrus. Obviously smoothed out with some oak, but not overdone and the extra weight is enjoyable. Overall, I'd be happy serving this at a nice dinner or to open a reception.
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3/7/2014 - budh wrote:
Had this alongside the 2012 Phelps SB. Interesting comparison. The 09 is darker color, less aromatic, less acidic, less fruit, more grass, more vanilla, fuller bodied (mainly due to lower acidity). It's okay in its own right, but not very SB-like. Now I see why SB is meant to be drunk fairly young. I don't see enough interesting characteristics in the 09 to offset the loss of fruit and acidity.
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8/8/2013 - kostaslonis Likes this wine: 90 Points
(WineGate)
Clear, medium lemon color. Clean nose of medium+ intensity, filled with yeast notes, biscuit but also ripe peach and tropical fruits with some herbs underneath. Expressive and still youthful.
In the palate the wine is dry, with medium body and intensity, medium alcohol (13.5%), medium + acidity with yeast notes agian, almonds, pear and green apples, nicely balanced with a medium+ finish.
Outstanding wine, premium price. Drinking now but could age further.
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6/1/2013 - grayfont wrote: flawed
DC/Northern Virginia Off-Line II - "Blind Reds: Favorites vs. Underdogs" (My home, Falls Church, VA): reductive notes of sulfur, eggs, maybe some stinky cheese. off bottle?
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9/29/2012 - slywka7 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Phelps makes one of the most underrated Sauvignon Blancs in California.
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6/17/2012 - Swekman wrote: 88 Points
Smooth with lots of oak, this Sauvignon is somewhat buttery with a crisp granny apple like finish. It's good, yet not outstanding.
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4/23/2012 - Yiannis wrote: 91 Points
A very enjoyable oaked sauv blanc. Fairly dark yellow-gold. Nose is very expressive with tropical fruits like mango and passion fruit, pronounced oakiness, floral scents and notes of honey and candied pergamod. Med-full bodied, rich and generous with balancing acidity and a long aftertaste. I believe this will be even better after a couple of years, having integrated the oak.
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11/24/2011 - missionpk wrote: 90 Points
Adding a point to my last note, as this wine really did prove itself in exactly the scenario I predicted before. It is the perfect opening wine at a gathering, as the folks that want a light wine early in the day are happy and the folks that are used to heavy Chardonnay are at least comfortable. A big hit and, if you can find it at the lower retail price, worth the money.
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9/17/2011 - slywka7 wrote: 89 Points
Typically one of the best in the valley and has some nice oak but the 09 wasn't as good as prior years although still a nice wine.
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6/21/2011 - cos65 wrote:
Bright racy fruit ****
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5/15/2011 - AlexHop wrote: 90 Points
Straw colored. Tart but more balanced than many Napa Sauvignon Blancs. A hint of grass, good minerals and a crisp finish. Tasted at Insignia Day 2011.
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5/14/2011 - Lee Fining wrote: 91 Points
Excellent level of acid for pairing with dishes such as white sauce pasta and fish. Aromas of green apples and lilac. Loved the fact that there was no presence of grass. I could easily restrict myself to only drinking this as my Sauvignon Blanc for the year.
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5/14/2011 - peterzhan888 wrote: 92 Points
Intense for Sauvignon blanc. Hint of fresh apricot. Finish with finesse. Consistent quality as Joseph Phelps always brings.
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4/22/2011 - missionpk wrote: 89 Points
Really quite good. Probably not worth the $32 winery price, but at $22 retail it's not bad. Nice acidity and minerality, lots of citrus. Obviously smoothed out with some oak, but not overdone and the extra weight is enjoyable. Overall, I'd be happy serving this at a nice dinner or to open a reception.
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2/28/2011 - peterzhan888 wrote: 90 Points
My wife loves it. A bit too sweet for me. Hint of apricot. Bought it on the estate when we returned in December. Nice drink for a warn afternoon.
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1/24/2011 - Porchino wrote: 89 Points
Does a decent job
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1/21/2011 - Porchino wrote: 88 Points
Sb have trouble scoring in the nineties
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1/7/2011 - ggaccione Likes this wine: 85 Points
Sharp great smell
Floral
Clean tAste
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