2015 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Lots of burnt orange with currant and dust undertones. Some rose petal, too. Full body, chewy and tannic with lots of tension and intensity. Needs two or three years to soften but already a very impressive wine for the vintage.

The only 2015 I was able to taste from this estate (I couldn’t visit due to the fires), the 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. While I couldn’t visit at Joseph Phelps due to the fire, their 2014s (and a few 2015s) showed beautiful in my tastings in Colorado.

Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, sourced from six vineyards, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color and nose of red and black currants, black raspberries and mulberries with hints of pencil shavings, cinnamon stick, cloves and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has great freshness, with the vibrant, open-for-business fruit well supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with good length. 23,000 cases were made.