Wine Recommendation
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Wine Recommendation

Wine:Joseph Phelps Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon  (Napa Valley)

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
(Napa Valley)



Joe Phelps founded his winery in 1972. With the release of his 1974 Bordeaux blend “Insignia” in 1978, the first of its kind for California, his reputation was set as a pioneer and visionary. His 1974 Syrah, and more the recent Viognier and Le Mistral Rhone blends, brought the industry spotlight to Rhone varietals, spurring the growth of the “Rhone Ranger” movement.

Bright to day-bright and fairly opaque ruby with purple highlights, the wine is viscous with slow moving legs. On the nose it captivates immediately with notes of mulberry, blueberry, vanilla, mocha, espresso, and graphite. Full, plump, and lusciously fruity, the varietal’s tannic structure along with strapping oak tannins come around to reign things in. The wine is beautifully balanced now, and has a long finish.

Reviewed August 2, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.

The Wine

Winery: Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Vintage: 2004
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: 750ml $48.00

Review Date: 8/2/2007

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.