David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

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. — 13 days ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.1

New vintage of this trusted cab. Delicious as always. Layers of cherry, some constraint, smooth. — 2 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2021 vintage. Classic Napa Cab without all the current bells and whistles. Eye on the prize. Medium body with balanced bouquet and shows across the entire palate. It’s Cabernet like this that built Napa into the 800 lb gorilla that it is. 79% Cab, 8% PV, 7% Malbec, 6% Merlot. 4.3.24. — 17 days ago

Bruce Leboff

9.2

Vibrant and alive. Fun to drink - kids birth year. Still some nice fruit on the nose Smooth and caressing tannins. Fun to drink. Took a while to wake up but worth the wait. Really nice. — 10 hours ago

with Danielle and David

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

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. — 13 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best. — 15 days ago

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

9.2

This magnum has been laying down for 30 years and is fully mature, medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with blackberry, tobacco, earth, coffee and black cherry on the nose. Soft textured, with no tannin remaining, the wine ends with a cherry. An Easter treat. — 20 days ago

with Adriano, Daniel and 1 other

Shay A

9.4

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! — 6 hours ago

Andrea Watt

9.4

Bright lemon, yellow apple, and melon. Clean and balanced with a soft touch of oak. — 3 days ago

Willie Carter

9.8

What a superb wine, first and foremost. Just so beautiful and powerful. A deep, dark burgundy color in the glass. The nose is pure and alive with cherries and blackberries initially. Oak, as ever, along with a slight hint of vanilla and earth. Really pretty floral notes which accentuates the total package.

Terrific depth and balance here. Every now and again Napa reminds you of what it can really be. Very modern and elegant with so much personality. Everything here is restrained and refined. The fruit on the palate is dramatic and fresh. Vibrant red fruit with the customary woodsy elements. A touch of tobacco and well integrated smoke just for good measure. The finish is long and lusty and leaves you wanting more. Made for the long run for sure but so delicious now. A true gem of a wine. — 2 days ago