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Joseph Phelps Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Fantastic new Joseph Phelps Napa Cabernet release. 92 Points Robert Parker: "The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa seems slightly richer, even though there is less Cabernet Sauvignon in it (78%), with 15% Merlot and the rest the other three Bordeaux varietals. This will spend 18 months in both French and American casks. The wine has a deep color, loads of glycerin, a plump, juicy, succulent mid-palate, and plenty of blue and black fruits in its flavor and finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years... ...This classic Napa winery has undergone a facelift after many, many years, but perhaps the biggest change has been the huge investment they’ve made in the area of Freestone on the Sonoma Coast. This is where they focus on Chardonnay and, to a bigger extent, Pinot Noir, and the early returns look promising."
Ratings on Delectable
Rob Brobst III 
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Deeper and richer than the 2014 with gorgeous notes of black currants, plums, graphite, toasted spice and licorice, this beauty is full-bodied, supple and seamless on the palate, with fine, fine tannin and surprising freshness and purity. It’s a beautiful, layered wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years.
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Deeper and richer than the 2014 with gorgeous notes of black currants, plums, graphite, toasted spice and licorice, this beauty is full-bodied, supple and seamless on the palate, with fine, fine tannin and surprising freshness and purity. It’s a beautiful, layered wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years.
9.4
Jay Eagan
What a great cab/blend! Deep dark plum with lots of spice and some lead pencil and licorice. I know the Insignia should be better but this is really good. It has years to go.
What a great cab/blend! Deep dark plum with lots of spice and some lead pencil and licorice. I know the Insignia should be better but this is really good. It has years to go.
9.3
Bridget Meagher
2015
2015
9.0
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
The 2015 Napa has a much more expressive nose than previous vintages. The mid red fruits are brighter and more dominant. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dark turned, rich earth, light dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The body is also much lighter in the 15 than other vintages. It’s still very fresh. At this stage, it’s like a well extracted Pinot. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dry clay, stems, mint, Provence fresh herbs, dark turned, rich earth, dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The acidity is light a waterfall. The finish is bright fruit that is well balanced with earth. However, as it cellars, I predict this wine with flush out, put on weight and gain complexity. Much better palate experiences 10-15 years plus down the road for this 15 Napa. Photos of, the terrace view from JPV’s visitors center, the JPV annual members party small bites, the lounge area in their visitor center and estate vineyard off their terrace.
The 2015 Napa has a much more expressive nose than previous vintages. The mid red fruits are brighter and more dominant. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dark turned, rich earth, light dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The body is also much lighter in the 15 than other vintages. It’s still very fresh. At this stage, it’s like a well extracted Pinot. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dry clay, stems, mint, Provence fresh herbs, dark turned, rich earth, dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The acidity is light a waterfall. The finish is bright fruit that is well balanced with earth. However, as it cellars, I predict this wine with flush out, put on weight and gain complexity. Much better palate experiences 10-15 years plus down the road for this 15 Napa. Photos of, the terrace view from JPV’s visitors center, the JPV annual members party small bites, the lounge area in their visitor center and estate vineyard off their terrace.
9.1
David Walser
This bottle tasted delicious.
This bottle tasted delicious.
9.3
Debra Copeland, WSET3, CSWS
Incredible wine with lots of everything going on. Ripe black fruits, jammy notes, baking spices, dark chocolate and warm cedar. This wine is amazing with grilled steaks and a perfect start to vacation!
Incredible wine with lots of everything going on. Ripe black fruits, jammy notes, baking spices, dark chocolate and warm cedar. This wine is amazing with grilled steaks and a perfect start to vacation!
9.5David Walser
Tasting wonderful tonight. Could have had another bottle
Tasting wonderful tonight. Could have had another bottle
9.4
Paul K
91-92
91-92
9.1David Walser
I should have written this review just after tasting as my memory after tasting several other wines may have faded a bit. Always a long time favorite but this bottle wasn’t as good as it could have been.
I should have written this review just after tasting as my memory after tasting several other wines may have faded a bit. Always a long time favorite but this bottle wasn’t as good as it could have been.
9.2David Walser
Tasting great.
Tasting great.
9.2
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.