Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

A 1/4 century in bottle…mmmm. I have had every 90’s vintage of Phelps Napa, except a 90 I think. Many of those multiple times at 15 yrs plus. This 99 is as good as any of the ones I’ve had. 98, not a great vintage but the 98 consistent with the rest and 99 better than many would expect.

Siting it, it has a dark core with little or no brickish edges. The fruit still very lively.

The nose shows; slightly candied to ripe & some slightly plummy fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, pomegranate & raspberries. Cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, anise to black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry tobacco, used leather, dry stems, dry crushed rocks with dry top soil, graphite, cocoa powder, dark cola, steeped berry tea, moist clay, dark & red bright florals framed I liquid violets with a touch of lavender.

This is still around its peak. M-M+ velvety, round tannins. It’s round w/ elegance defined. Nothing that bits back. Palate confirms the nose. Slightly candied to ripe fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, pomegranate & raspberries. Cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, anise to black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry tobacco, used leather, dry stems, dry crushed rocks with dry top soil, limestone, dark Asian spices with some palate heat, dry herbs w/ a sage lead, graphite, used charcoal ash, cocoa powder, caramel, dark cola, steeped berry tea, moist clay, dark & red bright florals framed in liquid violets with a touch of lavender, very round, beautiful acidity, well; made, knitted, structured, tensioned w/ excellent length and elegance-balanced finish that lasts minutes & lands on moist clays and ripe, evolved fruit.

Perfect w/ the Prime Ribcap. — a month ago

Jake Hajer

9.1

Good wine. On the richer side of Syrah. — 4 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

1hour decant(some chunky/fine sediment). A striking still dark magenta color with little bricking. On the nose: Inviting notes of sweet red/blue fruit, smoked meat, floral, worn leather, nutmeg, wet forest floor. Taste: velvety, smooth, elegant, savory mature wine with dried cherries, cocoa, leather, scorched earth, and a minerally mocha long lingering finish. YUM!! — 6 months ago

with Brenda

Mark S.

9.1

Deep cherry red. Cassis, blue and black berry. Oak and subtle vanilla. Good concentration. Sweetness M Acidity M Tannin M+ Smooth Silky Joseph Phelps Vineyards Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 19 @3400, xiaduo - Laz, 251016 — 8 months ago

Jan de Weerd

8.9

Basically…disappointed. We were ready for a big Cab but this was a bit of a dud. Limited finish and also did not develop much on the palate. 9 years old had expected layers of leather, cigar etc but none of that. Mostly single note and lack of vibrancy. What should I do with the other two bottles I have?? — 3 years ago

with Tammy

Brian Reedy

9.8

Omfgggg. Absolutely vibrant and beautiful. Almost all Cabernet with just a touch of Petit Verdot unlike many other years that are more of a Bordeaux blend. The fruit is perfect with incredibly soft tannins and a long finish. — a month ago

with Sarah

Jeroen Koenen

9.3

Not the deepest nor the most complex wine ever, but it charmes with its lovely purity and extravert personality. Vanillin, sweet oak, white peach, dash of lemon oil. — 3 months ago

Sam Friedland

8.9

Was fine, but nothing to write home about!✍️ — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This is classic JP Quarter Moon.

The 18 has nice evolution while holding its vineyard characters. It shows medium dark fruits; black cherries, blackberries, strawberries, nicely layered spice & baking spices, mid red flowers, excellent acidity and a finish that is elegant, well balanced-knitted and lasts 90 seconds.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! — 6 months ago

Mark Mannebach

9.3

Bright cherry and blueberry up front. Long smooth finish with a little spice — 8 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep ruby color. Aromas of black fruit, thyme, bell pepper and baking spices. Blackberry on the palate, herbs and earthy finish.

🏅97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
🏅97 Points - Robert Parker — a year ago

Natalie Corrado Fitz

9.0

2016 was so yummy — 5 years ago

Tom Garland

9.5

1 hour decant(lots of sediment). A gorgeous purplish garnet color. On the nose: Intoxicating musky notes of dark fruit, potting soil, worn leather, truffles, stewed meat, slight menthol. Taste: velvety, seamless, balanced, intense wine with dark fruit, cassis, earth, tobacco, mineral, herbs, and a chocolate graphite long never-ending finish. YUM! This wine has aged gracefully and has more gas in the tank. Enjoy. — 3 months ago

with Brenda

Robert Henalt

9.6

Amazing now but feel like it’ll age nicely for many years. Red fruit, slate and hint of chocolate. Smooth tannins. Spectacular! — 4 months ago

Rick Phillips

9.1

Elegant, Hints of Apples and Honeysuckle. Long finish. — 5 months ago

with Sherre and Letha

Bridget Meagher

8.9

Beaujolais style carbonic maceration Josh — 6 months ago

Barry Shailes

10

Freebie from the salon event. Very nice. — 8 months ago

Abbas Zand

9.0

This wine is dry with citrusy aromas. Medium body, medium+ acidity, medium alcohol 13%. On the palate flavors of citrus, pomelo, light grassiness. Flavors are harmonious, with nice balancing acidity.
Nice wine.
$16 sale price — 10 months ago

LM Segal

9.5

Best Easter/Passover wine ever. So pure, delicately layered and with beautiful balance. Probably at its peak but no rush. — 4 years ago

Richard Davies

9.0

Needs lots of airing. Give it at least 3 hours. Body comes out then. — 5 years ago