2019 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Joseph Phelps (you know from the famous Insignia) is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec from vineyards in southern Napa Valley, St Helena, Oak Knoll District and Stags Leap District. It is aged for 18 months in oak, in 48% new (58% French, 42% American) and 52% two-year-old French and American oak barrels. The Phelps is aged for 18 months in 40% new oak (51% American, 49% French) and 60% one- to two-year French and American oak barrels. The Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet-purple color with seductive baked plums, stewed cherries, mulberries and warm cassis on the nose with hints of spice cake, pepper and tobacco leaf. The Phelps is medium to full bodied and has a great intensity of blackcurrant and exotic spices framed by soft tannins and a lively freshness which ends with an impressive length. The wine can be drunk now, but can also be kept for another 15+ years, but that's actually a shame. This wine is very nice to enjoy and for a Napa Valley topper is still relatively pleasantly priced for a real Napa Valley.