1997 Joseph Phelps Napa

[winoweenie]

Found a lonely magnum of this sucker and took it to lunch today for the group. BRW and Frankie-poo. Maturing beautifully as usual and as the old saw goes..."Sock-it-to-me-one-more-time". If this isn't the most consistant and reliable of the regular Napa cabs it derned sure be close to the top. Deep medium ruby. Nose resdolent of violets, roses, red fruit, spices, and saddle leather. All come over on the palate
along with a whiff of vanilla mousse. Solid entry, weighty center and a solid 4+ lapper finish. 91/93. 62 per mag. 13.5% alc. WW

[winoweenie]

seeing as how this is one of the wines I sent up to Glenora for the off-line decided to try one yesterday. Out of a 750 still had all of the goodies the mag gave up plus the extra time in the smaller bottle has enhanced greatly yhe aromatics. Hope the bottle youse guys have is okie-dokie. No change in scoring WW

[TheEngineer]

WW, it was great to have finally had a chance to speak with you today! I know that the more practised and better tongues that were at the offline will be able to write notes on this (I did not even take any, completely deferring to their superior skills and experience!!....btw, my wife and I had a great time!).

I loved this wine! Of all the wines that were opened before we had to leave (more later), this was my favourite, and that was with KC's '87 Guigal Hermitage beside it!!! It became incredible with more air! I let it sit in my glass for only 30 minutes and what a whopper!! Loved it and thank you very much for the sharing!!

[winoweenie]

you're very welcome Eng. Was great talking with you and the group. Sounded like a good time was being had by all. Really sorry I couldn't make it. WW