Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

9.1123 ratings
8.911 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Still one of the best Napa Cabernets for the money. 12 a fruity & very high yield vintage in Napa Valley.

12 is a fruit leaning vintage. It is juicy, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum pudding, some boysenberries, cedar, medium plus tannins, dry tobacco, leather, dry leaves, expresso, French barrel shavings, sandstone, dark, rich, sweet, turned earth, stems, black, rich, sweet earth, steeped tea, alluvial limestone minerals, baking spices, liquid, dark, red, purple flowers, w/ rainfall acidity and an elegant, rich, fruit driven finish that lasts nearly two-minutes.

12 a vintage to age, but not long age. Lacks the tannins to do what 13, 14 will.

Happy birthday Angela.

Still one of the best Napa Cabernets for the money. 12 a fruity & very high yield vintage in Napa Valley.

12 is a fruit leaning vintage. It is juicy, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum pudding, some boysenberries, cedar, medium plus tannins, dry tobacco, leather, dry leaves, expresso, French barrel shavings, sandstone, dark, rich, sweet, turned earth, stems, black, rich, sweet earth, steeped tea, alluvial limestone minerals, baking spices, liquid, dark, red, purple flowers, w/ rainfall acidity and an elegant, rich, fruit driven finish that lasts nearly two-minutes.

12 a vintage to age, but not long age. Lacks the tannins to do what 13, 14 will.

Happy birthday Angela.

May 18th, 2024
Kevin Walsh

Wine blogger doxologywine.com; Freelance Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers) Doxology Wine Consulting

8.4

Very young and the tannins could use some time to lay down, but lush fruit will give this plenty of length when the time comes

Very young and the tannins could use some time to lay down, but lush fruit will give this plenty of length when the time comes

Sep 5th, 2015
Edward Nelson

Bottle #2 at Rocco’s.

Bottle #2 at Rocco’s.

Mar 13th, 2022
David Walser

Had this delicious wine twice within the past week. Always a favorite.

Had this delicious wine twice within the past week. Always a favorite.

Jun 1st, 2021
Robert Henalt

Aged nicely. Deep garnet color. Rich dark berries moderate tannins. Medium finish. Nice now

Aged nicely. Deep garnet color. Rich dark berries moderate tannins. Medium finish. Nice now

Oct 14th, 2019
Arden Barnett

First time trying a Joseph Phelps wine. I have gotten so caught up in trying as many regions and grape varietals as possible, I forgot how good a classic California cab can be. Unfortunately we couldn’t wait to decant it long enough but it was still a treat. Cant wait to see what this vintage is like down the road. Served with wagyu strips and truffled mushrooms

First time trying a Joseph Phelps wine. I have gotten so caught up in trying as many regions and grape varietals as possible, I forgot how good a classic California cab can be. Unfortunately we couldn’t wait to decant it long enough but it was still a treat. Cant wait to see what this vintage is like down the road. Served with wagyu strips and truffled mushrooms

Jul 2nd, 2018
Martijn

2012 vintage on 5.1.18
Thick purple color. Fruity nose. Black fruit dominated. In the mouth well balanced. Nice structure. Long finish.

2012 vintage on 5.1.18
Thick purple color. Fruity nose. Black fruit dominated. In the mouth well balanced. Nice structure. Long finish.

Jan 5th, 2018
Sid Baweja

Fusion 2017 Outing

Fusion 2017 Outing

Apr 27th, 2017
John Van Trijp

What a great beauty with upswing potential

What a great beauty with upswing potential

Jan 10th, 2017
Anh Tram

What can I say.. One of my all time favorite. Can drink this everyday. It's one of the most balanced wine . Love it even more after decanting:)

What can I say.. One of my all time favorite. Can drink this everyday. It's one of the most balanced wine . Love it even more after decanting:)

Jul 27th, 2016