Kamall

9.3

10yrs from vintage date and Cathy’s favorite spot. I wouldn’t disagree. More aromatic now but fruit still deep with velvety tannins. Kronos up next! — a month ago

Patrick Parham

9.4

Has that velvety texture of fine wine, notes of chocolate — 4 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

2007 Phelps…what can I say? I should have waited another 5-7 years for it to be perfect. Palate enters as ripe, lush, ripe, velvety, slightly candied; strawberries, cherries & progresses into blackberries, black raspberries, black plum & stewed plums. The tannins round but still meaty. It glides effortlessly over the palate. Dark berry cola, charcoal, touch of lead pencil, dark, hearty Indian/Asian spices, some pepper, cedar, mix of fresh & dry tobacco, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, dark, melted chocolate, mocha powder, caramel notes, anise, dry to slightly moist, dark soils, Rutherford dust, mix of dry, soft herbs, dry crushed, limestone minerals, fresh, dark, red, flowers framed in violets/lavender for days, perfect, round, acidity with an incredibly well blended fruit & earth, nice tension and a beautiful finish that lasts minutes. I need another well stored bottle of 07 in 5-7 years. Velvet wrapped in silk. Phelps Napa is so incredible at 15-20 years of age regardless of vintage. This would be closer to 20-22 years plus. Just an hour decant. Might have been better w/ 3 hours or a second day bottle.

Happy Labor Day weekend from Chateau Isbel. — 8 months ago

LM Segal

9.7

Way to ring in the New Year! Lithe, feminine nose led a nicely delineated palate of dark red fruit, cigar box and velvety tannins. Wonderful. — 4 months ago

Tom Garland

9.5

2005 Wine Spectator wine of the year.

1 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A thrilling dark garnet with some bricking. Nose: beautiful aromatic notes with cherry, old leather, wet earth, floral, licorice. Taste: velvety smooth, creamy, balanced wine with dark berries, cedar, licorice, spice, espresso, dark chocolate, and a nice satin long finish. YUM! Just gonna sit back and enjoy the ride tonight. Paired with a Christmas prime rib roast dinner. Cheers! — 4 months ago

Deborah M

9.3

Another one from last night’s birthday dinner. I had a little left to revisit on day 2 and it is still amazing. What a classic. I could sit with this for a long time. The smokey, deep dark fruit/licorice, and velvety mouthfeel, all make this wine shine. This one will definitely improve with more age. Easily one of the top 5 wines of the year for me. — 2 years ago

LM Segal

9.6

Still incredibly primary, as if just bottled, powerful nose dominated by classic cigar and cedar notes. Prominent, velvety oak led a rich, round palate of fine tannins and dark red cherry, baking chocolate. Tail went on forever. Give this 10 more years will be even better. — 4 months ago

Jess

9.0

Medium-deep ruby color.
Aromas of dark fruit, buttered toast, spice, herbs.
Dry. Flavors of black plum, licorice, thyme, stewed black cherry. Medium-rich, velvety tannins.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 6 months ago

Michael Amoruso

9.4

2008 vintage. Loved it. Smooth and velvety. Black currant. Some graphite. Blackberry. Long finish. Stunning. — 9 months ago

John Malcolm

9.3

Velvety rich and delicious. Fabulous bouquet. Dark chocolate, currants, blackberry. Very satisfying. — 3 years ago