1997 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Community Tasting Notes (81) Avg Score: 90.5 points

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  12/10/2023 - djs Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Really impressive longevity for this style of wine and price point. Has evolved beautifully although still pretty heavy on the wood. Pleasant surprise and glad I have a couple more that I won't wait too long to enjoy with grilled ribeye.

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  11/11/2023 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 95 Points

  The best Phelps Napa I’ve had & had a ton. This 97 was stored perfectly & still just the other side of its peak. Balanced, lovely w/ nothing that bites back. Well worth the $75 or so that I paid. Likely around $25 on release. Now, 24 yrs in bottle better than some other Napa wines I’ve paid $150. The nose is also one of the better Napa Cabernet’s I’ve inhaled. Ruby; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, poached, dark cherries, spiced strawberries with raspberries hovering. Anise to black licorice, dark Indian/Asian spices, slightly dry tobacco, nutmeg, cinnamon, sandalwood, hints of sweet lead pencil shavings, dry & fresh herbaceousiness, charcoal, black tea, hints of menthol, dark, slightly withering florals, framed in lavender & violets.
  
  The palate is lush, ruby, juicy fruits. Those that think fruit is lost at this age, not the case here and in many of the well stored wines I’ve had. Ripe & juicy; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, black plum, plum, poached, dark cherries, spiced strawberries with raspberries hovering. Anise to black licorice, tarry notes, some fig & dates, dark Indian/Asian spices, slightly dry tobacco, dry brush/twig, nutmeg, cinnamon, sandalwood, hints of sweet lead pencil shavings, dry & fresh herbaceousiness, charcoal, black tea, hints of menthol, moist volcanic clay, very fine, dry, crushed rocks, dark, slightly withering florals framed in lavender & violets, perfect acidity. The finish is outstandingly; knitted, tensioned, structured, layered, balanced for days that lasts minutes. Outstanding!!!
  
  What a treat. The integration & evolution is epic & everything you hope for in every wine you open. You’ve heard of a velvet wine wrap in an iron fist. This is a velvet wine wrapped in a velvet glove.

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  5/25/2020 - lovetoski wrote: 93 Points

  This represents everything great about aged Cali CS!
  Wonderful flavors as a result of the tannin disappearing. Loved it!!

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  12/12/2019 - Burgnick Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Rich, velvety and integrated. Drinking beautifully with cassis, chocolate and sweet dark currant.

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  6/1/2019 - vinhonotte Likes this wine: 92 Points

  Praelum - American Beauties (Praelum Wine Bistro): Surprising acidity and freshness after 22 years. Black cherry, cassis, plum, grass. Comparatively lighter than other Napa wines tasted, but still packs a good structure

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