Joseph Phelps Vineyards
2016 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard
I recently wrote about Joseph Phelps Vineyards having its roots dating back to 1973, see October 25, 2019 review of Joseph Phelps 2016 Napa Sauvignon Blanc & 2016 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Pastorale Vineyard. While many of the early Joseph Phelps wines were made with grapes from the Home Ranch in St. Helena, Joe also sourced fruit from outside growers. But as the winery continued to grow and he traded earlier efforts in Riesling and Chardonnay for Cabernet, Merlot and other red Bordeaux varieties, he began acquiring vineyard land in the Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, and Oak Knoll District AVAs. These vineyards became important sources of Insignia and Phelps’ other red wines. Today I will discuss a Cab and a Pinot.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards also have several “Wine Clubs” and additionally offering some “Library Wines” which provide a tremendous insight on how their wines develop year to year. I recommend to check out their availability, click this link “WineClubLink” to go to their site and join a club! If you find your travels to Napa, I recommend a visit to their captivating Napa winery.
Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com as I recently made a trip to Napa during 2019 harvest, visited several wineries, tasted some great wines, and met some outstanding individuals. I’ll continue to report on my discoveries.
2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep Ruby with youthful aromas of blue and black fruits with sweet spice and slight mineral character. The wine is a blend of 86% Cab Sauv, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec & 2% Cab Franc from their estate-owned Napa Valley vineyards, aged 18 months in French (62%) & American oak (38%) (48% new). On the palate complex flavors, blackberry, plums and ripe cherry with sweet spice, oak and eucalyptus notes. Well balanced with good acidity and tannins still developing. Full-bodied, long finish ending with cacao and wood spice. Delightful! Tasting Sample!
2016 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard
A single vineyard expression aged for 13 months in 50% new and 50% two-year-old French oak barrels. Aromas of red and dark berry fruits with earthy spice notes. On the palate, raspberry, cherry and plum flavors, rich and complex with nice mouthfeel, integrated tea spice and oak. Fine smooth tannins with good balance of acidity has plenty of room to develop. Long finish with subtle earthy character, an outstanding wine.
Cheers!