2009 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon PNV

Deep, bright ruby. Aromas of blackberry, crushed cassis and graphite. Juicy, spicy and fresh, with very good intensity and lift to the sweet dark berry and spice flavors. Primary, fruit-driven wine with a persistent, floral finish. Firmly tannic but nicely balanced from the start. A lovely vintage for this bottling. (ST)

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, rich wine bursting with dark fruit. This is a fairly immediate style, some serious tannins notwithstanding. Smoke, tobacco and licorice develop in the glass, adding complexity and nuance. The powerful, fruit-driven finish is totally rewarding, but this will be even better in a few years’ time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. I tasted a number of fabulous wines from Joseph Phelps this year. The 2009 and 2010 Backus and Insignia are still in barrel, but they are shaping up beautifully. Tel. (707) 963-2745

(beginning with 2009, this wine is made entirely with estate fruit): Bright medium ruby. Very dark aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and menthol; classic Napa Valley cabernet. Sweet and lush on the palate; still a bit youthfully aggressive but comes across as creamier than the 2008 version. Finishes with strong tannic support. Phelps now declassifies some of its cabernet into a third wine.