Mumm Napa

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995

Somm David T
9.4

I will say straight up, I am very disappointed that LVMH bought this historical Napa property. I imagine that Joseph isn’t happy about that. What was the family thinking? First guess, is they lacked their fathers passion & just wanted the money. Maybe, future climate played apart? 🤷‍♂️

I have had the 95 a couple-three times. Again, sounding like a broken record, these are good young, but not great until they are 13-28 yrs in bottle. I’ve had plenty of older JP’s to know.

Once again, I count bottle yrs, not from vintage creation. Human life doesn’t is not counted until birth. Wine for me is no different.

The nose shows slightly brambly fruits, blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, hovering raspberries, mid berry cola, anise to black licorice, black tea, soft leather, dryish tobacco, dry twigs, softly layered baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanillin, understated, dry spice-sage/bay leaf lead, dark, rich, slightly sweet forest floor w/ dry leaves, dark, fresh/withering, dark, red, flowers, red roses framed in lavender.

The palate shows resolved, mushy, thick tannins, insanely fresh, ripe, juicy, brambly fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, hovering raspberries, mulberries, goose berries, red to mid berry cola, anise to black licorice, black tea, soft leather, dryish tobacco, dry twigs, dark, rounded spices, incense, softly layered baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanillin, understated, dry spice-sage/bay leaf lead, dark, rich, slightly sweet forest floor w/ dry leaves, limestone powder, dry crushed rocks, dry river pebbles, moist, grey volcanic clays, dark, fresh/withering, dark, red, flowers, red roses framed in lavender and liquid violets, insane, summer rainfall acidity, the balance, length are off the charts, soft spoken tension is still apart of this cuvée with lush, elegance for days that lands gently on fruit, clay and spice.

This 95 is not tired and, just, and, I mean, just the other side of its peak with a very drinkable decent over the next 5 yrs.

Glorious evolution & style! 94+ a bit. Cork near perfect and some sediment.
— 20 days ago

Dawn, Juan and 16 others liked this
GaryWEdwards

GaryWEdwards

Maybe LVMH has a greater passion for excellence than the next generation of Phelps

Continuum

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

red leather, dates, overripe blackberry, deep spice. hugely recommend — 12 days ago

Silver Oak

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Perfect pairing with a Prime ribeye 🤤 blackberry, some toasted coconut, and oak notes. Bold and tannic. Lasting finish. This is great stuff and a fantastic vintage. Happy Valentine’s Day, wineos!! — 20 days ago

Paul and Dave liked this

Faust

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Not the fruit bomb I expected in fact there is a brightness to it. Crowd pleaser. — 4 days ago

Scott@Mister, Andrew and 4 others liked this

Quintessa

Rutherford Red Blend 2023

Restrained in a really good way. Tannins were a little dusty that added some character. A few years would be beneficial — 2 days ago

Ira, Dave and 2 others liked this

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

2019 vintage. Better than expected as the last few assorted vintage Artemis bottles I’ve had have been less than good. Medium-heavy body. Decent spice and tea flavors on the caboose. 2.12.26. — 21 days ago

Somm, Dave and 15 others liked this
Dave

Dave

I thought 2018 was very good. You?
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

@Dave 2018 a great vintage along with 2019. 2019 is more approachable tho. Can't remember if I had the 2018 but this steady producer/effort had lost my trust. This example semi-restored my faith.
Somm David T

Somm David T Influencer Badge

Marchesi Antinori ownership now.

Heitz Cellar

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Deep ruby color. Aromas of dark cherry, plum, eucalyptus and baking spice. Blackberry on the palate, nutmeg/clove, earthy finish. — 13 days ago

Paul, Scott@Mister and 10 others liked this

Chateau Montelena

Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016

Softer with pear almond and saline and a touch of oak. — 12 days ago

Ira, Jay and 7 others liked this

Grgich Hills Estate

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

No time for more proper notes.
Young (!!), bold yet surprisingly restrained, big (polished) tannins, nice depth & length.
I like the mid palate.
Stash away or have with food.
— 3 days ago

Tom liked this

Caymus Vineyards

40th Anniversary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

North of my typical price point, this was quite expressive for a cab. Robust fruit flavor, yet smooth. Other bottles suit my palate better. — 11 days ago