2013 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Gorgeous aromas of sage, blackberry and blueberry follow through to a full body, polished and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A pretty combination of subtle fruit and wood. Should come together beautifully.

The Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, is a strong effort from Joseph Phelps and possibly could turn out to be one of the best generic Napa bottlings they have made in many a year. There are 23,000 cases of this wine, which is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, almost all of it coming from their estate vineyards. The wine saw about 45% new oak (55% French, 45% American) and is opaque purple in color, with a classic Cabernet expression of tobacco leaf, blackcurrants, licorice and Christmas fruitcake. It is full-bodied, dense, opulent and concentrated, especially for the introductory Cabernet Sauvignon in the Joseph Phelps stable. No doubt, the fruit coming from 100% estate vineyards has certainly added quality to this offering. This should drink well for up to 20 or more years.

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, dark and juicy. A great example of the vintage, the 2013 captures the essence of this important Napa Valley vintage. Plums, crème de cassis, cloves menthol and licorice meld together effortlessly. Drink this plump, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon over the next decade or so. The 2013 is flat-out delicious and also a reasonably priced Cabernet Sauvignon, with enough production to be widely available, a winning combination in my book. (AG)