2021 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
Somewhat unusually for Napa Valley Cabernet, Phelps's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon utilizes a fair proportion of American oak (about half). Scents of Ribena-like cassis and cherries join vanilla and cedar nuances, plus hints of dusty earth. Drawn from a number of vineyards across Napa Valley, this medium to full-bodied wine is plush and supple, already easy to drink but also has plenty of soft tannins on the finish.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) marries rich, dense fruit with gorgeous floral notes. The 2021 is laced with inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and savory herbs that lend notable aromatic complexity. This is beautifully done.
Coming mostly from the estate (70 acres), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot. Bottled in March of this year, it has a deep ruby/purple hue to go with a pure, ripe, seamless, medium to full-bodied profile as well as ample cassis and darker raspberry-like fruits, classic tobacco, and spicy, chocolaty oak. On the palate, its ripe tannins, beautiful purity, and great finish make for a beautiful, elegant, layered wine very much in the style of the vintage.
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is shaping up to be a tremendous value, by Napa Valley standards. Expressive savory and spice notes meld into a core of dark red fruit, leather, spice and menthol. This deep, fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the goods in a bold, punchy style that will be an absolute joy to taste over the next 10-15 years.
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.