Shay A

9.2

Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.

Fun to do a side by side with the ‘88, and also check in against the Montelena. Profile wise, this leans ripe and modern stylistically. There is a kiss of brett that takes you to Bordeaux but it’s mostly red and black fruit driven with a vanilla pipe tobacco sweetness, leather, cassis and a little bit of a floral note, especially aromatically. Big structure for the vintage, but open for business now if you can give it a few hours in the decanter. — 16 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best. — a month ago

Willem Booij

9.4

Another fine bottle from this great estate, a nose to die for. This is an impeccable bottle of wine firing on all cilinders. I can’t get enough of this wine, felt in love with it on a wine trip with Big J and ever since I buy this wine without blinking my eyes. — a month ago

Scott Kahn

9.0

Thoroughly integrated tannins in an aged wine that has started its decline. Dark fruit, vanilla oak and cedar on the palette. Classic Bordeaux on the nose. — a day ago

Joe Weinberger

9.1

Quite green, but I don’t hate that. — 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. — a month ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Expressive nose showing dark fruit, graphite, spice, mineral with meat, blood, iron, underbrush & violet that is balanced, finessed with a silky texture — 2 days ago

jochen rueckert

8.9

Pretty good but $$$ — 20 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.5

Another great btl that is structured showing finesse with beautiful aromatics of dark fruits, olive, iron, spice, crushed rock, graphite & violet. Still youthful that will continue to develop for many years. — 22 days ago

John Z Payne

9.0

I absolutely love this wine. I'd buy again and again. — a month ago