This was a nice pour out of 9L served up by their Winemaker, Trevor Durling. He and his team are a great group of people.
Really excellent evolution. Classic Private Reserve George Latour style. Fine, dark tarry tannins, dark cassis, wet clay, sandalwood, used tobacco, light herbaceous notes, understated lead pencil, some baking spices, dark spice, withering dark & red flowers, excellent round acidity, balance for days, soft structure & tension and an elegant, round, plush, velvety finish that close to two-minutes. — 21 days ago
Jonathan’s 40th birthday wine, also 40 years old. Martha’s Vineyard 1984. Another old classic California Cabernet that won’t quit. Good cork, savory and aromatic, a fine old wine indeed! — 11 hours ago
Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.
Here we are six years after my last ‘88 Montelena and I’m looking at my old review as if I wrote it about this current bottle! So bright and lively. Gorgeous deep ruby color (darker than the ‘88 Leoville Barton). There is a Christmas spice (maybe more mint-driven) aromatic with bing cherries and floral notes. Red fruit to the core with some spiced blackberries, earthy/herbal savoriness, great acidity and a snappy/youthful finish. Cedar and espresso. Held strong over a few hours open. Not falling off a cliff, but don’t miss this window if you have some! — 8 days ago
1998 not the best Napa Cabernet vintage. However, good producers still find their way through difficult vintages. Joseph Phelps is the rule rather than the exception.
This was poured out of magnum and drinking beautifully by their Hospitality Manger.
Nicely ripe, lush juicy fruits of blackberries, blackberries, both plums, some purple & blue fruits. Dash of spice & lead pencil, anise-black licorice, soft baking spices, caramel notes, some dark chocolate, fresh dark flowers, round acidity and a well balanced, softened structure & tension, elegant, nicely evolved finish that lasted a full minute. — 21 days ago
Surprisingly restrained & cool on the nose. Needs some time to open up.
On the palate this is a bit bolder yet still quite cool style. Nice energy & depth. A bit of heat in the finish.
Still very young, with the wood still sticking a bit out. Very high quality wood but sticking out. Will def improve with time.
A nice one. — 8 days ago
Paul K
One of my favorite Napa cabs. This vintage continues to improve. Last had in ‘21. Not a ton of oak or alcohol. The fruit isn’t bombastic yet not austere either. Closer to austere, but not at all simple. It’s earthy, berry, cherry, and tobacco with round tannins. Love this! I wish more Napa cabs went down this route. — 8 days ago