2005 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon possesses aromas of creme de cassis, bay leaf, and spice box as well as soft tannins, medium body, and luscious fruit. It is a delicious, French-styled effort to drink over the next decade. The Freestone Vineyard, a 100-acre, cool climate site planted on the Sonoma Coast by Joseph Phelps, is finally coming into production, offering consumers a bevy of different Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. There are three Chardonnay offerings, all of which emphasize the minerality and citrusy characteristics of this varietal with little intrusive oak, despite the fact that they are barrel-fermented and aged primarily in new French oak. The Cabernet Sauvignon program consists of three wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon, their famous proprietary red wine called Insignia, and their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the western hillsides of Oakville, called Backus. The regular Cabernet is a solidly made, reliable effort usually comprised of about 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Malbec. The single vineyard offering comes from Oakville’s Backus Vineyard. There are typically 1,500-2,500 cases produced from this biodynamically farmed vineyard. Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831

Smooth, supple and complex, with graphite, cocoa and plum aromas and layered flavours of black cherry, black plum, spice and coffee. Medium-full, with round tannins and lingering finish. (LM) $54

(includes 6% merlot and 3% petit verdot) Good deep ruby-red. Claret-like aromas of blackberry, currant bud, bitter chocolate, licorice and graphite, plus a whiff of garrigue Juicy and laid-back, with firm, nicely integrated acids contributing to an impression of youthful austerity. Strong dark berry and graphite character in the mouth. Gains breadth on the back end, with the tannins substantial but nicely integrated. This very lively wine should be held for a couple of years.