The wine was aged for sixteen months in 48% new oak (50% French, 50% 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. The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has classically expressive aromatics of ripe currant, tobacco, leather, pencil shavings and dark chocolate notes. A rich, fleshy wine that is full-bodied, dense and layered with dark plum, blackberry and savory spices. It is a vibrant and alive offering with acid structure and depth for long-term cellar aging.
Wine Advocate Review:
Somewhat unusually for Napa Valley Cabernet, Phelps's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon utilizes a fair proportion of American oak (about half). Scents of Ribena-like cassis and cherries join vanilla and cedar nuances, plus hints of dusty earth. Drawn from a number of vineyards across Napa Valley, this medium to full-bodied wine is plush and supple, already easy to drink but also has plenty of soft tannins on the finish. Anticipated Maturity: Anticipated Maturity: 2024-2035
