Joseph Phelps 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon $50 
When we say Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon what do you think of? Well, just think Joseph Phelps 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is a Napa Valley cab that’s got it all, from lush dark fruit to dense mouth texture and from hints of woodiness from the oak barrel aging to just the right amount of tannin for structure and age ability.
Cabernet is the signature wine of Napa and the Phelps is as versatile, dependable and as full of flavor as the best the valley has to offer. It runs about fifty dollars a bottle but compares to those for twice that amount.
This is a young cabernet, but really ready to enjoy now, especially since there’s some Merlot blended in that softens it. And we like that it doesn’t presume you have to be a collector to enjoy it, but can drink it right now if you feel like it.
Our wine of the week… Joseph Phelps 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pop the Cork™.
Winemaker’s Notes and Comments:
Due to the ripeness of the 2004 grape harvest, the final blend for the ‘04 Cabernet boasts ultra concentration and lusciousness. The wine is a striking example of the vintage with aromas of soy, graphite and hints of baking spices, as well as generous amounts of Bing cherry, cassis, and other dark fruits in the fragrant nose. Sweet oak, spice and compelling grapy extract lead to a long, persistent finish.
High quality and reduced yields characterized the 2004 vintage, which started out quite warm in early spring, then settled into a balmy weather pattern through July and most of August where mornings were cool and afternoon temperatures stayed in the low to mid-90’s.
However, on August 27th a three-week heat spell began with many days measuring over
100 degrees. As a result, some of the ripening fruit became dehydrated and had to be
removed from the vines prior to harvesting. Depending on location, crop yields were reduced ten to forty percent.
Our job in crafting the 2004 wines was to moderate over-ripe characteristics, but from the very beginning the aromas and flavors drifting out of the fermenters signaled outstanding quality.
Color and extract were high. In barrel, reds appeared rich and forward in structure -- characteristics that have continued to evolve and develop with bottle age.
Notes on our Wines of the Week, Recommendations, and Picks:
When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently. A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list. Well, don't stop buying it because of that. In fact, you may want to email us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.
A couple of other thoughts...first, prices are approximate. They'll vary. Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.
And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly! Now, all that said, here is a summary of links to our suggestions. Find one (or more) and pop the cork!
Read the fine print . . .
Wine consumption can have positive physical benefits or cause possible physical harm . . . the medical community is divided in some areas. If you have any doubt, check with your doctor before consuming wine or any other alcoholic drink.
Our information is well researched. Recommendations are based on our opinions at the time of publication. At the same time, recommendations change. Also, there may be significant variance in taste depending on storage, shipping, and other factors.
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