2008 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Plenty of aromas of spices and tobacco on the nose. It shows lots of ripe fruit with round tannins, yet closed and tight still. Long and juicy on the finish. Savory and sexy.

Dark ruby-red. Showy aromas of cassis, cedar and flowers. Sweet and ripe but a bit youthfully austere compared to the 2007 and 2009 versions, showing a strong core of blueberry and cassis fruit. This very tight wine is taking its time to open up but appears to have the fruit intensity to support its serious tannic spine.

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec) is an impressive version. Their 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon is still alive at age 35. The 2008's dense ruby/purple color is followed by an attractive bouquet of creme de cassis and charcoal. Revealing full-bodied richness and lots of depth, it is one of the finest regular Cabernet Sauvignons Phelps has made in many years. The tannins have sweetened over the last year and this impressively endowed effort, while approachable now, should age for 20+ years. Joseph Phelps’ flagship wine, which they have been making for 36 years, is the Insignia, which boasts a remarkable track record. Phelps, always a visionary, was the first to recognize that a blend of grapes could be better than a single varietal cuvee. Phelps produces a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Backus Vineyard situated on the eastern slopes of the Oakville Corridor overlooking Screaming Eagle and Rudd Estate. Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831