Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

A wine of great energy, length, and finesse, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with floral notes, cedar and pencil shavings followed by ripe blackberry, cassis and red currant jam. Fresh and focused with pleasing acid and tannin structure building tension along the palate to the lingering finish.

242 hectares of vineyards, spread over eleven vineyards in 8 different appellations (AVAs). The vineyards are managed according to biodynamic principles, and vinification is gentle.

Basalt, schist, clay, volcanic lime, pebbles or gravel.

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 flowering 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 flavours and structure. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard called El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard.

Aged for eighteen months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52% older French and American oak barrels before bottling. Coopers included Ermitage, François Frères, Demptos (French and American), Canton (American), Dargaud Jaegle, Orion and Taransaud.