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. — 12 days ago

Conrad Green

9.7

What a nose. Deep plush plummy fruit with violets, roses, bloodiness, iron. This is so lively and bright still. Very delineated and plush but with structure that makes everything shine. Lush and gorgeous. — 2 months ago

with Bex and David

Boris Mathiszik

9.4

A 2012 from Alexander Valley. Fully integrated tannins. Balanced and lush. Delicious! — 8 months ago

Michael Chelus

8.9

Black cherry, raspberry preserves, currant, stewed fruit and oak. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 8 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.5

Vintage 2006 | popped and poured with risotto funghi and truffle | half transparant | cassis cedar eucalyptus leather, still much fruit after 18 years in smell | lush mouthfeel — a month ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

The best Phelps Napa I’ve had & had a ton. This 97 was stored perfectly & still just the other side of its peak. Balanced, lovely w/ nothing that bites back. Well worth the $75 or so that I paid. Likely around $25 on release. Now, 24 yrs in bottle better than some other Napa wines I’ve paid $150. The nose is also one of the better Napa Cabernet’s I’ve inhaled. Ruby; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, poached, dark cherries, spiced strawberries with raspberries hovering. Anise to black licorice, dark Indian/Asian spices, slightly dry tobacco, nutmeg, cinnamon, sandalwood, hints of sweet lead pencil shavings, dry & fresh herbaceousiness, charcoal, black tea, hints of menthol, dark, slightly withering florals, framed in lavender & violets.

The palate is lush, ruby, juicy fruits. Those that think fruit is lost at this age, not the case here and in many of the well stored wines I’ve had. Ripe & juicy; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, black plum, plum, poached, dark cherries, spiced strawberries with raspberries hovering. Anise to black licorice, tarry notes, some fig & dates, dark Indian/Asian spices, slightly dry tobacco, dry brush/twig, nutmeg, cinnamon, sandalwood, hints of sweet lead pencil shavings, dry & fresh herbaceousiness, charcoal, black tea, hints of menthol, moist volcanic clay, very fine, dry, crushed rocks, dark, slightly withering florals framed in lavender & violets, perfect acidity. The finish is outstandingly; knitted, tensioned, structured, layered, balanced for days that lasts minutes. Outstanding!!!

What a treat. The integration & evolution is epic & everything you hope for in every wine you open. You’ve heard of a velvet wine wrap in an iron fist. This is a velvet wine wrapped in a velvet glove. — 5 months ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Fresh lemon, slate, a hint of mint, lifted stick match and lovely freshness. Delicious right now. Lush and long. — 2 months ago

with Bex and Major-General

Conrad Green

9.5

What a gorgeous nose. A lush mix of dark brooding fruit with tobacco, plum, dried herbs and a hint of herbs. A hint of band aid. Rounded and delicious. Sappy and intense. Long. — 2 months ago

with Paul

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Lovely wine. Nose of leather, pencil. Ruby red. Silky mouthfeel. Fruit, black, blue and red, all ripe, lush, and juicy. Tannins are silky yet full. Leaving a very long finish. Beautiful wine drinking fantastic now with lots of life left. — 5 months ago

Wade Chambers

9.3

Big, lush, and savory with a somewhat subtle nose but a long, beautiful, complex finish — 8 months ago