Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
My first of nine bottles. Good first look. 13 such an excellent & big vintage. This is still midway to the top of the bell curve. 15-20 yrs plus depending on storage & taste.
The 2013 fruit clusters had small berries that were nicely ripened by the season, which meant more skins vs berry that gave it tannins, structure & depth.
Epic vintage.
The nose reveals; a lift of sage & rosemary. Black currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to pudding, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, grey volcanics, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers.
The palate is round, lush & thick. M+ dry, velvety tannins that penetrate deeply w/ teeth. Black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to black plum pudding, caramel, dark spices w/ heat, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon to stick, vanillin, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, moist clay, grey volcanics, leather, graphite, moist tobacco, oak barrel shavings, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers, round, rainfall acidity with a rich/lush, nearly balanced, still strongly toned/structured, elegant finish with length & teeth that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earthiness.
It is still a baby. Plenty of life ahead. It has much more to offer. 15-20 yrs depending on storage and age taste. Add 1-2 points in 10 yrs.
My first of nine bottles. Good first look. 13 such an excellent & big vintage. This is still midway to the top of the bell curve. 15-20 yrs plus depending on storage & taste.
The 2013 fruit clusters had small berries that were nicely ripened by the season, which meant more skins vs berry that gave it tannins, structure & depth.
Epic vintage.
The nose reveals; a lift of sage & rosemary. Black currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to pudding, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, grey volcanics, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers.
The palate is round, lush & thick. M+ dry, velvety tannins that penetrate deeply w/ teeth. Black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to black plum pudding, caramel, dark spices w/ heat, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon to stick, vanillin, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, moist clay, grey volcanics, leather, graphite, moist tobacco, oak barrel shavings, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers, round, rainfall acidity with a rich/lush, nearly balanced, still strongly toned/structured, elegant finish with length & teeth that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earthiness.
It is still a baby. Plenty of life ahead. It has much more to offer. 15-20 yrs depending on storage and age taste. Add 1-2 points in 10 yrs.
Founded 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased former cattle ranch near St. Helena in Napa, the winery now controls and farms nearly 375 acres of vines on 8 estate vineyards. Blend of 87% Cab Sauv, 5% Merlot, & rest Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cab Franc. Aromas of dried berry fruits and cedar spice. Sat in oak for 18 months 45% new, the palate shows blackberry and cherry flavors, cacao and oaky herb tones. Firm tannins, long finish ending smooth with fruit, tobacco and mineral notes. Still has room to age.
Founded 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased former cattle ranch near St. Helena in Napa, the winery now controls and farms nearly 375 acres of vines on 8 estate vineyards. Blend of 87% Cab Sauv, 5% Merlot, & rest Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cab Franc. Aromas of dried berry fruits and cedar spice. Sat in oak for 18 months 45% new, the palate shows blackberry and cherry flavors, cacao and oaky herb tones. Firm tannins, long finish ending smooth with fruit, tobacco and mineral notes. Still has room to age.
Feb 12th, 2022
Chewy. Mouth watering fruit and a lot of punch. Feels young and brawny but balanced.
Chewy. Mouth watering fruit and a lot of punch. Feels young and brawny but balanced.
Oct 5th, 2018
You decide if it is the wine or not that makes me smile - but really smiling hard - totally recommend- but avoid the cork in the nose please
You decide if it is the wine or not that makes me smile - but really smiling hard - totally recommend- but avoid the cork in the nose please
Feb 19th, 2017
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, dark and juicy. A great example of the vintage, the 2013 captures the essence of this important Napa Valley vintage. Plums, crème de cassis, cloves menthol and licorice meld together effortlessly. Drink this plump, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon over the next decade or so. The 2013 is flat-out delicious and also a reasonably priced Cabernet Sauvignon, with enough production to be widely available, a winning combination in my book. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, dark and juicy. A great example of the vintage, the 2013 captures the essence of this important Napa Valley vintage. Plums, crème de cassis, cloves menthol and licorice meld together effortlessly. Drink this plump, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon over the next decade or so. The 2013 is flat-out delicious and also a reasonably priced Cabernet Sauvignon, with enough production to be widely available, a winning combination in my book. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous)
Dec 28th, 2016
2 hour decant if not longer needed.
Great after opening 2 bottles of 2010 Phelps that were toasted
2 hour decant if not longer needed.
Great after opening 2 bottles of 2010 Phelps that were toasted
Paired nicely with burgundy pepper tri tip.
Paired nicely with burgundy pepper tri tip.
Oct 6th, 2018
