2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Aromas of black cherry, woodsmoke and mocha, plus hints of adhesive tape and weedy herbs. Offers decent intensity and depth but only moderate ripeness to the flavors of dark chocolate and peppery herbs. Finishes with a light dusting of slightly dry-edged tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Aromas of terracotta, clay, red earth, cocoa and berry. Full body with round, velvety tannins and a juicy finish.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from the glass with mocha, tobacco, grilled herbs, smoke, licorice, incense and orange peel. An exotic, layered wine, the 2011 impresses for its length and pure persistence. The style is that of a cold year, which means the tannins are a bit firm and in need of further bottle age. This is a beautiful wine for the year, but also in its own right. Readers need to give the 2011 at least another year or two in bottle. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. (AG)
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.