Ed Chin

9.2

Came off a little disjointed. Give it some as I see a bright future. The cab franc is noticeable in a good way with a dried herb note. — a month ago

Inseon Hwang

10

Balanced deep minerals. Tobacco, graphite give way to purple fruit and ripe berries. — 3 months ago

Florent Peyre

9.2

Such a great way to finish the night — 3 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. — 7 months ago

Victor Hsu

9.0

A good, solid California Cab but what’s all the fuss about? I’m seeing ratings of 98, 99, even 100 from JS. Really? No way. This is a clear case of praise crossing over into hype. Granted, still a bit young and not at its peak but after five years in the bottle and an hour of decanting it needs to be more than just fine if it wants to justify stratospheric scores. This wine compares unfavorably to Ridge Monte Bello, Stags Leap Cask 23 and other peers. It lacked sophistication and poise—where’s the promised minerality, graphite, cedar shavings, oak, leather, blackcurrant, cherry, and complex balance of fine grained tannins, fruit, acid and alcohol? Where? We chose this wine for a birthday dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. Not a disaster but a disappointment given our high expectations (and the high price).
— 2 months ago

jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

9.4

Way better from large format — 3 months ago

with Shay

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.7

Beautiful subtle aroma from Merlot makes it pretty. Its free spirit nose makes you feel what the wine is going to be about. Drinkable and fresh. Apparently missing weight but it doesn’t miss a bit all the way thru the tasting. The aftertaste is long and very, very pleasant after one minute. — 7 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.5

Loved it - uncork, give it a half hour to open up, and drink now. — 3 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.4

Served blind. I nailed the vintage, even a broken clock is right twice a day. A spectacular nose of smoke, flowers and a dose of reduction. In the mouth, intensity and freshness . Minerals & green fruit that reminded me of Chablis to start but no way given the weightlessness. Waves of crisp fruit with exceptional balance. Most producers would be happy to make a premiere cru or grand cru of this quality. It might be an overused descriptor or cliché, but this was all about pureness. According to my friend purchased on release, and locked away. A reminder of how important proper storage is. — 3 months ago

brando cox

9.3

2001 Musar is a great way to start to an amazing week. A delicate blend of Cabernet Savignon, Cinsault and Carignan aged in oak for over a year. At its peak from my cellar - 23 years later it's showing notes of dried cherries, cassis, prunes, some leathery vanilla oakyness. The complexity is off the charts and I'm getting aromas of smokey Tennessee tobacco barn and cherry bramble which is a combo I never imagined I would want so bad. The structure is light and balanced. Silky smooth acidity and fine tannins which is a hallmark of this exquisite wine. — 7 months ago