Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Professional Ratings

• 94 James Suckling
  This shows wonderful density and texture with ripe tannins, as well as tangy acidity underneath. Full-bodied, yet tight and composed. Balanced and beautiful. Wonderful potential. 93-94 points
• 94 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  COMMENTARY: I have generally placed the Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon among my top Cabs in the $50-$100 range in any given vintage. The 2016 vintage could easily become my top wine in this price quadrant. TASTING NOTES: This wine hits all of the high notes. Its aromas and flavors of black fruits, dust, mint stay long and inviting on the palate. Pair it with a grilled extra thick pork chop and have a great dinner. (Tasted: March 1, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
• 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc aged for 18 months in 48% new French and American oak and bottled in May/June of 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of crushed blackcurrants, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with suggestions of cigar box, menthol, rose hip tea and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with vibrant black fruit laced with plenty of spicy sparks, framed by grainy tannins and oodles of freshness and finishing long with a menthol kick.
• 93 Wine Enthusiast

  This lovely wine shows exceptional quality and complexity within a bold, expansive package of thick, grippy tannin and layered flavors of blackberry, tobacco and smoked meat. It is blended with 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot.

• 92 Decanter
  This wine is based around St Helena AVA fruit, with Oak Knoll, Rutherford and Stags Leap District providing supporting roles. In this vintage the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and small portions of Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc and it spent 18 months in 50% new French and American oak. Aromas of cocoa powder and espresso lead to an elegantly textured palate which reflects the cooler 2016 vintage. Long, fine-grained tannins extend on the finish. Drinking Window 2020 – 2035
• 91 Jeb Dunnuck
  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.