Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Into neck 94 Points CellarTracker I have been writing about older Phelps Napa vintages until the cows come home. This started at 93 but when we had the back-half of our steak buffet (Porterhouse, NY & Ribeye) it blossomed. It is pure finesse, elegance, integration & evolution. These do not sing until they are 15-20 years old. Fruit & earth balance and elegance. Nothing that bites back. If you like this producer, you owe it to yourself to seek out a bottle with this kind of age in good vintages. This is somewhere around its peek. Make no mistake it is better than many $150 bottles I’ve opened. 12/22/2023 93 Points CellarTracker Great wine. Huge bouquet of dark fruits—black cherry, cassis, raspberry, and a hint of rose petals. Lush, long palate of black currant, blueberry, raspberry, hints of pencil lead. Tannins are present but in the background, smooth and supportive. 8/13/2023