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
I’m a Tempest fan but others preferred The Bard. Young but fantastic. Could have spent more time opening but too many people for that. Magnum. — 3 days ago
Typical marguax, which I love. Opens up smoothly to notes of dark cherries, light plums, tobacco, cedar and earth/ forest floor. Tannins well integrated with 14 years of aging and 30mins of decanting. — 6 days ago
This had lots of rich dark berry fruit with notes of graphite, sweet, savory spice, cedar, leather & tobacco — 14 days ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
A perfect bottle, direct import from a Negotiate via K&L. It has seen only Chateau & Negotiate storage.
Love, love, love the style of 80’s Bordeaux. Especially, the very good 80’s vintages. The style at this age is just so good as is the 12.5 ABV.
The fruit is still very solid & fresh. Ruby; blackberries, plums, poached strawberries, black raspberries, raspberries & blueberries hues. Lead pencil for days, some light v/a-bandaid, used tobacco w/ ash, very used leather, dark spice, understated mushroom, baking spices- light nutmeg/clove, cinnamon, vanillin, dry, river stone, limestone, dark rich soil with dry leaves, mix of dry and fresh herbs, touch of mint, moist clay, withering & dry dark, red, flowers, rainfall acidity and a well balanced, nicely structured, softly tensioned, beautiful finish that lasts 90 seconds.
Paired with/ Allen Brothers Cover Ribs. — 13 days ago