Joseph Phelps 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned winery founded in 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased a former cattle ranch near St. Helena, the Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, Oak Knoll District, Carneros and South Napa Valley. In 1999, the Phelps family added 100 acres of vineyard property near the town of Freestone on the Sonoma Coast, where Phelps now grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Phelps is best known for its flagship Napa Valley blend of red Bordeaux varietals first produced in 1974. The blend known as “Insignia” is widely regarded as a qualitative benchmark for California winemaking. Over the years, Phelps’ goal was to have its wines become 100% estate grown by making carefully planned acquisitions of prime vineyards in the Napa Valley. Today, the Phelps estate consists of the Spring Valley Home Ranch outside of St. Helena, Banca Dorada in Rutherford, Backus Vineyard in Oakville, Las Rocas and Barboza vineyards in Stags Leap, Yountville Vineyard in Oak Knoll, Suscol Vineyard in South Napa and starting with the 2011 growing season, Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard in Carneros. Phelps makes outstanding wines and I look forward to comment on others in future posts.
Today I am focusing on the 2008 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2008 vintage is made up of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec. Approximately 83% came from estate vineyards and 17% from independent growers. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in new French and American oak barrels (50%) and one to two year-old oak barrels (50%). Pouring a glass that I had decanted for about 45 minutes, I notice a deep dark purple color with a delightful bouquet of dark ripe berry fruit, subtle spices and toasty notes. This is a rich powerhouse wine with great depth and flavor, and this is only Joseph Phelps’ regular offering! The wine has a long and rich finish with ample tannins enabling this wine to continue developing in the bottle for some time to come. I do have a few more 2008’s and I will put them aside for a future update post, if I am not tempted first. This wine retails for around $55 if you can still find a 2008.
Cheers!