Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 | 92pt Cabernet Classic
A true Napa icon flexing its muscles. Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 pours linky purple in color with aromas of dense blackberry jam, cassis, and balsamic followed by a layering complexity throughout the mouthfeel of supple, sweet tannins with expressive ripe plum, vanilla, and rich black fruit.
Shop Cellar Selections
92RP |The Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. All coming from vineyard locations in the south Napa Valley, St. Helena, Oak Knoll District, and Stags Leap District. It was aged for 18 months in 40% new (51% American, 49% French) and 60% one- to two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it does pirouettes out of the glass with notes of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries, and ripe blackcurrants plus hints of lilacs, menthol, forest floor, and pencil shavings with a touch of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate is as intense as it is elegant, featuring layers of fresh black and blue fruits and gentle herbal accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and minerally.
Insignia-Type Elegance from Phelps
So, this is a true Napa icon flexing its muscles with serious Cabernet value. Hence we know our clients will be thrilled to see the Joseph Phelps name. And along with the latest edition of a Cabernet with a history for racking up dozens of perfect 5-star ratings from our members.
Iconic Joseph Phelps
Joseph Phelps is a Napa Valley rarity: It’s an iconic, pioneering winery that remains family-owned and -operated to this day. In 1974 Joe Phelps had the idea to make a separate cuvee each year, one that would represent the finest wine he could make from each vintage. He didn’t necessarily think it would always be a Cabernet Sauvignon. It might be white wine in some years, a Chardonnay or a Riesling. Or it might be a Syrah or Merlot. His only thought was to make one wine that represented the best of what Joseph Phelps Vineyards could produce each year. He decided to name the wine Insignia. Now the well established proprietary name that would give him the flexibility to make the wine out of any varietal he chose.
Shop Today’s Finds at Wine on Sale
So, Will’s grandfather founded Joseph Phelps Vineyards in 1973. And—despite the fact that his name is now synonymous with a Cabernet-based wine—was interested in far more than Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, he conceived of his trademark Insignia bottling as simply the finest wine he could make from a vintage. Then, maybe it would be Syrah or Merlot, maybe it would even be a white wine. But Cabernet Sauvignon quickly distinguished itself as the key to Phelps’ signature wine. Which of course, would become famous as the first proprietary red blend in Napa Valley.
