Jess

9.2

Deeep purple color.
Aromas of baked blueberry, blackberry, green bell pepper, hint of vanilla.
Dry. Flavors of cassis, vanilla, cedar, licorice. Medium-rich, chewy tannins.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 5/5
Finish: 5/5 — 17 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

The fruit for "La Chapelle" is sourced predominantly from Le Méal and Bessards (with a little form Greffieux and Rocoules. Relative to the two Chave’s, the 1988 “La Chapelle” seems a bit more like a Hermitage fastball right down the middle of the plate. Desiccated mixed berries, olives, purple flowers, and minerals with a touch of ethyl acetate. Again a great pairing with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Vinous and drinking well now through 2035. — a month ago

Kelsey Guenther

9.0

Good everyday table wine. Light in the glass, no legs. — 4 months ago

Joe Carroll

Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions

9.0

A bit Hamptonsy but 6 years old, fresh and loaded with cherry — a month ago

Anne Richardson

8.9

A very pleasant Pinot Noir! We enjoyed along with a meal and all on its own. Would buy it, again. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. — a month ago

Tam Chambers

9.5

Work flow in Boston — 2 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.4

Wow. If this was blind - I would’ve guessed 20 year old Bordeaux. Super complex and combo of tannins, fruit, meat, and some tobacco. Crazy. Nothing like I remember it from last bottle we had 10 years ago — 5 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

1998 not the best Napa Cabernet vintage. However, good producers still find their way through difficult vintages. Joseph Phelps is the rule rather than the exception.

This was poured out of magnum and drinking beautifully by their Hospitality Manger.

Nicely ripe, lush juicy fruits of blackberries, blackberries, both plums, some purple & blue fruits. Dash of spice & lead pencil, anise-black licorice, soft baking spices, caramel notes, some dark chocolate, fresh dark flowers, round acidity and a well balanced, softened structure & tension, elegant, nicely evolved finish that lasted a full minute. — 19 days ago

Robert Ahlstrom

8.9

Deep ruby/purple opaque, pepper, tobacco and red fruit, lovely Shiraz — a month ago

Frank Kuo

9.2

Color of deep purple with lighter shades on the rim. Nice tears. Nose of ample fragrance of currants. minty, vanilla, oaky, sweet note, and some more dark fruits. Taste is mouthful and chewy, quite sweet mixed with some spice, acidity, tart, strawberry, and some more vanilla. Aftertaste shows more strawberry, tangy, and a bit marginal tannin. On par. Like all the Freakshow wine, a bit too sweet for me. — 2 months ago