Paul K

9.3

One of my favorite Napa cabs. This vintage continues to improve. Last had in ‘21. Not a ton of oak or alcohol. The fruit isn’t bombastic yet not austere either. Closer to austere, but not at all simple. It’s earthy, berry, cherry, and tobacco with round tannins. Love this! I wish more Napa cabs went down this route. — 7 days ago

Delectable Wine

Follow to learn about our favorite wines & people.

9.3

The 1989 Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard from Calera is a real surprise. I am inexperienced with respect to mature Californian Pinot Noir, and Josh Jensen’s wine was a revelation. Candied red fruit commingles with blood orange and Kirsch, unmistakably not from Burgundy because it is too rich, but it is certainly not over-ripe. The palate is overly sweet and Californian on the entry. Still, there is structure behind this Pinot extant after more than three decades, with quite plush raspberry fruit on the quintessentially Californian finish. It's just a lovely wine that is, once again, perfect to drink now. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 15 days ago

Clay Atwood

9.2

Definitely a cab with a peppery nose and dark berries. Light plum forward flavors followed by a tart cherry middle with good tannins ramping up. The after flavors linger without being bitter. I did not taste the bourbon in the forward or mid palate but noticed it in the latter flavor profile. I really liked this wine though it was a bit lacking in complexity. — 2 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. — 20 days ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Big and fleshy. Inky intense fruit. Dense and quite fresh on the palate. Very pure — 2 months ago

with Paul and Ara

Karl Segura

9.0

Had with pizza. I tad sweet but Very good. — 2 months ago

Chris Rojas

10

Vegas before we take off — 20 days ago

Skip Smyser

9.8

Don't have time to detail the complexity of this 1.5 L. A marvelous of the cellar 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — a month ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Lovely balance. Cool plummy fruit with minerality and a savory delicious softness. Understated but excellent — 2 months ago

with Paul and Ara

Karissa Reynolds

9.3

Would buy again — 2 months ago