Reviews & Ratings

2012 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon "Napa Valley"

Winery: Joseph Phelps

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec & 1% Cabernet Franc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $70

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 89.5 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: March 8, 2015

Wine Review: This opaque and pitch black colored Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley opens with a fragrant black currant bouquet with hints of black licorice and oak. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, rich and concentrated. The flavor profile is a blend of black currant, vanilla coke and anise with notes of minerality and oak. The finish is rather dry and its dusty tannins stick around for quite some time. This Cab needs aeration and fatty meats in the near term. I would pair this wine with well-marbled ribeye after an hour of decanting. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2012 vintage marks the fortieth Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon release from Joseph Phelps Vineyards. This latest bottling highlights beautiful aromatics of dark fruit, cigar box, dried herbs, graphite notes and pain grille. Expressive Bing cherry, licorice, blueberry and blackberry layer this silky smooth wine of great depth and personality. Richly nuanced with supple tannins and a lingering velvety finish.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Joseph Phelps 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon.