Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Winery Notes
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery committed to crafting world class, estate-based wines. Founded in 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased a former cattle ranch near St. Helena in the Napa Valley, the winery now controls and farms just over 400 acres of vines on nine estate vineyards in Napa Valley. In 1999, the Phelps family added 100 acres of vineyard property near the town of Freestone on the Sonoma Coast, where Phelps grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Phelps is best known for its flagship Napa Valley blend of red Bordeaux varieties, Insignia, first produced in 1974.

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Tasting Notes
A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting violet, dark fruit, tobacco, subtle baking spice and earthy dried herb aromatics. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. A focused, concentrated wine with youthful energy and freshness nimbly balanced by supple tannin structure and finesse.

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Vintage Notes
In 2019, bud break occurred around the same time as 2018 but was delayed compared to our historical averages due to cold, saturated soils from the wet winter. May was cold with an unusual amount of rainfall which delayed bloom in some areas. Canopy management was key in 2019 because of vigorous canopies and moderate temperatures leading to less stress on the vines. July was cooler than average, but August and September warmed to push ripening ahead. Harvest weather patterns remained dry and fruit quality was excellent with well-developed flavors and structure. 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard.

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Vineyard Notes

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Winemaking Notes
The wine was aged for eighteen months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52% older French and American oak barrels before bottling. The coopers included Ermitage, François Frères, Demptos (French & American), Canton (American), Dargaud Jaegle, Orion and Taransaud.