Blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Syrah, 1% Malbec & 2% Cabernet Franc, aged for 17 months in 48% new French oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits, oak and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and currants with tobacco and herb spice. Fine smooth tannins, approachable, long finish ending with fruit, oak, spice and herb mineral character. Nice! โ 4 days ago
Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.
Here we are six years after my last โ88 Montelena and Iโm looking at my old review as if I wrote it about this current bottle! So bright and lively. Gorgeous deep ruby color (darker than the โ88 Leoville Barton). There is a Christmas spice (maybe more mint-driven) aromatic with bing cherries and floral notes. Red fruit to the core with some spiced blackberries, earthy/herbal savoriness, great acidity and a snappy/youthful finish. Cedar and espresso. Held strong over a few hours open. Not falling off a cliff, but donโt miss this window if you have some! โ 14 days ago
One of my favorite Napa cabs. This vintage continues to improve. Last had in โ21. Not a ton of oak or alcohol. The fruit isnโt bombastic yet not austere either. Closer to austere, but not at all simple. Itโs earthy, berry, cherry, and tobacco with round tannins. Love this! I wish more Napa cabs went down this route. โ 13 days ago
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 Iโd hoped theyโd 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. โ a month ago
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. โ a month ago
Juan Pablo Perez
Nariz: mora, arandano, ciruela, cassis, vainilla, especies, algo de madera
Boca: Tanino M, Acidez M, Alcohol M/M+
โ 8 hours ago