Excellent, and aged well — a month ago
Good! The last half bottle was definitely corked. This one was lovely. — a month ago
2001 vintage. Excellent fill. Used a Durand. Cork perfect. Decanted with expected sed and tasted after 2 hours. Medium body but dark as a closed closet. Dirty graphite nose that rang true in the flavors with some restrained plum, cherry and Valrhona chocolate as the backing, rhythm section. Miles to go before it sleeps. Pretty close to the top of the bell curve now. Wow. 10.17.25. — 10 days ago


Opened this a few years too early. Dark and brooding. Olives, violet, blackberry. Wild and savory. Would love to try this again in a few years! — 15 days ago
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 — 12 days ago
I think my posts on this producers Napa Cabernets with this kind of age have been clear. 2005 not the shinning star vintage of Napa Valley, yet non the less very consistent & punches above its price point. Pretty sure I bought this in the $35ish range. She is smooth with no bittiness on the palate.
The nose shows; used coffee grounds, dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices, black licorice, steeped black tea, sandstone,moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers.
The palate is elegant & still fresh; dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate to pudding, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, steeped black tea, dark spice with palate heat, sandstone, moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers framed in violets, very round acidity with balance, evolution, structure/ tension & elegance for minutes and lands on earth & spice.
Still has 7-10 yrs ahead. You could make a case for 94 here. — a month ago
Ed Chin
What a difference a little time and air makes 🤪. A little game a little iron and pepper and black fruit that became more expressive as time passed. Light and elegant. I think I got lucky. — 15 days ago