2016 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc. The 2016 Napa Valley growing season began with a mild winter resulting in early budbreak for some blocks at the beginning of March. A normal period of bloom and veraison took place in early May and mid July, respectively. The 2016 growing season was cooler than the previous three vintages. Deep ruby colour with a very sweet nose at this stage. Charred oak, morello cherry and cassis. The palate oozes black fruit, with a full body and chewy, chalky tannins. A little warmth on the back end of this hedonistic and unapologetic wine. (TP)

Moving to the Cabernet releases, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley comes from seven different estate vineyards and was brought up in a mix of French and American oak. It’s a seamless, pretty, medium-bodied effort that has plenty of complexity in its Bordeaux-like bouquet of cassis, leafy herbs, green tobacco, and violets. Drink it over the coming 15+ years.

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is once again a huge overachiever. Plum, black cherry, spice, mocha and new leather are front and center. Pliant and giving, with striking purity of fruit and remarkable balance, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a winner from Phelps. This Napa Valley Cabernet is a remarkable wine for many reasons, most notably the quality Phelps achieves with estate fruit and a production of 36,000 cases.