Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019

- Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE, Lisa Perrotti-Brown: „The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. It is due to age in oak for 18 months, in 48% new (58% French, 42% American) and 52% two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with beautifully pure notes of fresh black plums, black cherries and crushed blackcurrants plus hints of cinnamon stick, tobacco leaf and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate hits the ground running with expressive black fruits and soft, supple tannins, lifted by just enough freshness and finishing pleasantly savory. 40,000 are due to be made. (Tasted as a barrel sample.)“

- 94 Punkte DECANTER, Jonathan Cristaldi: „Always powerfully built, this vintage spent 18 months ageing in a mix of 48% new French and American oak. All the classic underpinnings are there, from blackberry and graphite, to scented wild herbs, crème de cassis and cedar, accompanied by gobs of palate-coating, sculpted tannins. Finishes with espresso, cured meat and violets.“

- JEB DUNNUCK: „Starting with the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, which is a no-brainer cuvée in most vintages, it reveals a dense purple hue to go with classic Napa Cabernet notes of ripe blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil, chalky minerality, and a touch of spice box. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, with silky tannins, it's a classic, concentrated, yet elegant style of Cabernet Sauvignon that will deliver the goods for two decades if properly stored. It way over-delivers. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged 18 months in just under 50% new French and American oak. 40,000 cases.“

- 94 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: „Blackberry and light dried fruit with oyster-shell undertones. It’s full-bodied with round, lightly chewy tannins that nicely accentuate the fruit character. Walnuts and wet earth. Delicious now, but better in two or three years.“

- JANE ANSON: „2019 was a respite vintage in Napa after a series of droughts and wildfires, and this is a lovely wine. Inky and concentrated, signature Napa in its tar, tapenade, chocolate, powerful dark fruits, muscular tannins. The first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District. Owned by LVMH at time of release, but made under the Phelps family for this vintage. 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American).“

- 18 Punkte WEINWISSER: „Der 2019er Cabernet Sauvignon von Joseph Phelps kann deutlich nicht an den Vorgänger aus dem Jahr 2018 (18+–18.5/20) anschließen. Er besteht aus 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot und 1% Malbec, ausgebaut in französischer und amerikanischer Eiche. Dunkle, dichte Farbe, gereifter Rand. Im Geruch besitzt der 2019er Cabernet von Phelps eine dunkle Frucht mit viel Fleisch und erscheint doch weniger üppig und dicht als der 2018er. Breit und massiv im Mund, mit balsamischem, reichhaltigem Hintergrund, erscheint er weniger frisch, mit mehr Süße und Intensität. Die Gerbstoffe bleiben ein wenig kantig, die Mitte erscheint leicht hohl. Könnte gegebenenfalls mit Reife zulegen. 18/20 2025 – 2042“