The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is beautiful. Scents of pain grille, mocha, black currants, spices and plums emerge from this deep, resonant wine. The 2010 possesses stunning textural depth and richness, not to mention phenomenal overall balance. Readers who want to get a sense of the 2010 vintage without spending a huge amount of money may want to start here. This is a dazzling wine, especially within its price range. The 2010 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025.
Winemaker Ashley Hepworth has done a fabulous job with these new releases. While most of the attention at Phelps centers around the flagships Insignia and Backus, over the last few years I have been equally impressed with the straight Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that delivers tremendous bang for the buck. In addition to these wines, I also tasted a few Syrahs from the 1970s. Today, Phelps is known for their Cabernet Sauvignons, but it is also worth remembering Joe Phelps was the first grower to introduce Syrah to the Napa Valley several decades ago.
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