Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Red Wine

Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

93 pts. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

"The Joseph Phelps 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. It is due to age in oak for 18 months, in 48% new (58% French, 42% American) and 52% two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with beautifully pure notes of fresh black plums, black cherries and crushed blackcurrants plus hints of cinnamon stick, tobacco leaf and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate hits the ground running with expressive black fruits and soft, supple tannins, lifted by just enough freshness and finishing pleasantly savory."

93 pts. Jeb Dunnuck:

"A year-in, year-out winner, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley should easily be an outstanding wine capable of evolving for two decades or so. Deep ruby/purple, with classy notes of cassis, blackberries, green tobacco, cedary herbs, and flowers, it's medium to full-bodied and has a wonderfully elegant, seamless texture, supple tannins, and outstanding length."

93 pts. Vinous:

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) has terrific energy to play off a core of rich Napa Valley fruit. Red cherry, iron, menthol, licorice and pretty floral accents all grace this gorgeous entry-level offering. The 2019 is the first vintage that includes fruit from Red Hen, a site in Oak Knoll that formerly belonged to Bart and Daphne Aruajo. Bright red fruit and lifted floral notes frame the chiseled finish nicely."

Who doesn’t love Joseph Phelps wines? Their wines are highly respected and always delicious. Their winemaking is consistently top-notch. The Napa Valley Cabernet is a beautiful, mouth-watering wine, and priced moderately for such a highly-sought-after Napa Cab!

FROM THE WINERY

Winemaking Data

Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec from estate and grower vineyards in St. Helena, south Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Stags Leap District and Rutherford in Napa Valley.

Winemaking Notes

The wine was aged for eighteen months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52% older French and American oak barrels before bottling. The coopers included Ermitage, François Frères, Demptos (French & American), Canton (American), Dargaud Jaegle, Orion and Taransaud.

A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting violet, dark fruit, tobacco, subtle baking spice and earthy dried herb aromatics. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. A focused, concentrated wine with youthful energy and freshness nimbly balanced by supple tannin structure and finesse.

Growing Season

In 2019, bud break occurred around the same time as 2018 but was delayed compared to our historical averages due to cold, saturated soils from the wet winter. May was cold with an unusual amount of rainfall which delayed bloom in some areas. Canopy management was key in 2019 because of vigorous canopies and moderate temperatures leading to less stress on the vines. July was cooler than average, but August and September warmed to push ripening ahead. Harvest weather patterns remained dry and fruit quality was excellent with well-developed flavors and structure. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard.