Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Deeper and richer than the 2014 with gorgeous notes of black currants, plums, graphite, toasted spice and licorice, this beauty is full-bodied, supple and seamless on the palate, with fine, fine tannin and surprising freshness and purity. It’s a beautiful, layered wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years.
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Deeper and richer than the 2014 with gorgeous notes of black currants, plums, graphite, toasted spice and licorice, this beauty is full-bodied, supple and seamless on the palate, with fine, fine tannin and surprising freshness and purity. It’s a beautiful, layered wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years.
Feb 21st, 2021
What a great cab/blend! Deep dark plum with lots of spice and some lead pencil and licorice. I know the Insignia should be better but this is really good. It has years to go.
What a great cab/blend! Deep dark plum with lots of spice and some lead pencil and licorice. I know the Insignia should be better but this is really good. It has years to go.
2 people found it helpfulMay 11th, 2020
The 2015 Napa has a much more expressive nose than previous vintages. The mid red fruits are brighter and more dominant. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dark turned, rich earth, light dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals.
The body is also much lighter in the 15 than other vintages. It’s still very fresh. At this stage, it’s like a well extracted Pinot. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dry clay, stems, mint, Provence fresh herbs, dark turned, rich earth, dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The acidity is light a waterfall. The finish is bright fruit that is well balanced with earth. However, as it cellars, I predict this wine with flush out, put on weight and gain complexity. Much better palate experiences 10-15 years plus down the road for this 15 Napa.
Photos of, the terrace view from JPV’s visitors center, the JPV annual members party small bites, the lounge area in their visitor center and estate vineyard off their terrace.
The 2015 Napa has a much more expressive nose than previous vintages. The mid red fruits are brighter and more dominant. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dark turned, rich earth, light dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals.
The body is also much lighter in the 15 than other vintages. It’s still very fresh. At this stage, it’s like a well extracted Pinot. Ripe; blackberries, strawberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, black raspberries and blueberry hues. Good presence of vanilla, cinnamon, very light clove, limestone, dry clay, stems, mint, Provence fresh herbs, dark turned, rich earth, dry crushed rocks, soft leather, blue florals and fresh red & blue florals. The acidity is light a waterfall. The finish is bright fruit that is well balanced with earth. However, as it cellars, I predict this wine with flush out, put on weight and gain complexity. Much better palate experiences 10-15 years plus down the road for this 15 Napa.
Photos of, the terrace view from JPV’s visitors center, the JPV annual members party small bites, the lounge area in their visitor center and estate vineyard off their terrace.
Pouring it in the decanter filled the room with jammy dark fruit aromas. It was actually tight at first, but gradually opened up after an hour or so. Not a ton going on with the nose, but some earthy and mineral notes shine through. Chocolate and dark fruit fill the palate. Finishes with pepper and pen ink. Good balance and full body.
Pouring it in the decanter filled the room with jammy dark fruit aromas. It was actually tight at first, but gradually opened up after an hour or so. Not a ton going on with the nose, but some earthy and mineral notes shine through. Chocolate and dark fruit fill the palate. Finishes with pepper and pen ink. Good balance and full body.
2 people found it helpfulMar 27th, 2018
An everyday Cabernet of immense quality for the price. Jammie Red fruit and so alive. Just bursting with flavor. Not meant to cellar like the estate Cabernet but will be wonderful for 10 plus years. Balance and mouth feel are superb.Lingering flavor at mid pallet.
An everyday Cabernet of immense quality for the price. Jammie Red fruit and so alive. Just bursting with flavor. Not meant to cellar like the estate Cabernet but will be wonderful for 10 plus years. Balance and mouth feel are superb.Lingering flavor at mid pallet.
1 person found it helpfulMar 18th, 2018
Incredible wine with lots of everything going on. Ripe black fruits, jammy notes, baking spices, dark chocolate and warm cedar. This wine is amazing with grilled steaks and a perfect start to vacation!
Incredible wine with lots of everything going on. Ripe black fruits, jammy notes, baking spices, dark chocolate and warm cedar. This wine is amazing with grilled steaks and a perfect start to vacation!
Dec 2nd, 2023
Tasting wonderful tonight. Could have had another bottle
Tasting wonderful tonight. Could have had another bottle
Jul 11th, 2023
I should have written this review just after tasting as my memory after tasting several other wines may have faded a bit. Always a long time favorite but this bottle wasn’t as good as it could have been.
I should have written this review just after tasting as my memory after tasting several other wines may have faded a bit. Always a long time favorite but this bottle wasn’t as good as it could have been.
Nov 21st, 2022