Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

- Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE, Lisa Perrotti-Brown: „The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, coming from vineyard locations in south Napa Valley, St. Helena, Oak Knoll District and Stags Leap District. It was aged for 18 months in 40% new (51% American, 49% French) and 60% one- to two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it does pirouettes out of the glass with notes of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries and ripe blackcurrants plus hints of lilacs, menthol, forest floor and pencil shavings with a touch of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate is as intense as it is elegant, featuring layers of fresh black and blue fruits and gentle herbal accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and minerally. 36,000 cases were made.“

- 94 Punkte WINE ENTHUSIAST, Virginie Boone: „Velvety thick in caramel, oak and rich layers of dark fruit, this wine offers hints of cedar and dried herb that complement and help to make it more complex. Made in a generous, full-bodied style, it shows heft and depth, the tannins structured and robust.“

- WINESPECTATOR, James Molesworth: „Ripe and lush up front, with waves of cassis, mulled plum and blackberry compote underscored by singed alder and graphite on the finish, adding grip. This is packed and well-built. Best from 2022 through 2032. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 36,000 cases made.“

- VINOUS, Antonio Galloni: „The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is bright, punchy and full of energy. Sweet red berry, mocha, licorice, spice, menthol and a kiss of new French oak all grace the 2018. Plummy and pliant, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate, but it has the pedigree to develop nicely for a number of years. Most of this fruit is sourced from vineyards in the southern end of the valley.“

- INTERNATIONAL WINEREPORT: „The 2018 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon impresses as it instantly opens to inviting aromas of cherries, blackberries and ripe plums which are laced with exotic spices, forrest floor, dark cacao and hints of cigar box nuances that form the expressive nose. On the palate this is full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a round texture. There is a lovely touch of underlying acidity which frames the layers of ripe red and dark fruits that persist all the way through the finish. The 2018 is fantastic in its youth, however this will likely become even more compelling with some short term cellaring.“

- JEB DUNNUCK: „The larger production 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley shows the vintage nicely and has a classic, balanced, medium to full-bodied style that offers textbook Cabernet Sauvignon notes of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, damp earth, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied and nicely concentrated, this is a young, relatively unevolved, yet beautifully balanced 2018 that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 10-15 years.“

- 96 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: „Very pretty blackberry, blackcurrant, walnut, forest-flower and dark-walnut aromas follow through to a full body with round, juicy tannins that are fine-grained and beautiful. Lovely length and generosity, but reserved at the finish to give it tension. Mostly from the Soscol vineyard. 97% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.“