Joseph Phelps 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

"This powerful, densely packed wine bursts with aromas of late-picked blackberries, blueberries and cassis that give way to bold black fruit and dark-chocolate flavors accented by cloves, black pepper and cedar. The tannins are full and firm, needing several years to mellow for best enjoyment. Drink from 2027–2037." Wine Enthusiast 94 Points "A freshly plowed humus note pokes out first, with further coaxing in the glass revealing dense black currant, fig and blackberry paste flavors. On the back end, bittersweet cocoa and espresso crema notes give this a dark, slightly rugged persona, but should smooth out with some brief cellaring. For fans of the toasty style. Best from 2025 through 2040. 58,562 cases made." Wine Spectator 93 Points "Somewhat unusually for Napa Valley Cabernet, Phelps's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon utilizes a fair proportion of American oak (about half). Scents of Ribena-like cassis and cherries join vanilla and cedar nuances, plus hints of dusty earth. Drawn from a number of vineyards across Napa Valley, this medium to full-bodied wine is plush and supple, already easy to drink but also has plenty of soft tannins on the finish." Wine Advocate 92 points