Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Blackcurrants, spiced cedar and dark spices with bark undertones. Full-bodied with very fine, velvety tannins. Textured and compact with a firm, lingering finish. Tight at the end. Needs time to open.

Tasted as a final blend, taken from tank, it reveals plenty of cherries, plus a backdrop of darker, riper fruit flavors, like cassis and blueberry. There's the requisite cedar and vanilla, from aging in oak, but it's balanced. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, silky-velvety smooth and easy to drink, plush without being creamy or overdone, with a long, mint-accented finish. 91-93 Barrel Sample

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is shaping up to be a tremendous value, by Napa Valley standards. Expressive savory and spice notes meld into a core of dark fruit, leather, spice and menthol. This deep, fleshy Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the goods in a bold, punchy style that will be an absolute joy to taste over the next 10-15 years. 91-93

Coming mostly from the estate (70 acres), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot. Bottled in March of this year, it has a deep ruby/purple hue to go with a pure, ripe, seamless, medium to full-bodied profile as well as ample cassis and darker raspberry-like fruits, classic tobacco, and spicy, chocolaty oak.