Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019

94 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Ripe and concentrated on the nose, smells full. Gorgeous texture and overall impression in the mouth. I love the sticky liquorice aspect to the black cherries, blackcurrants and plum fruit, it's not spicy so much as in piquant but the hints of cinnamon and tobacco leaf give that added complexity and edge to the concentrated fruit. It's a bold style, but I like the sweetness and the acidity keeping it lifted. It's a joyful expression, easy to drink. Rich and round but not heavy, there really is nothing not to like here. Amazing for the price! 1% Malbec completes the blend. Ageing 18 months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52% older French and American oak barrels before bottling. Drinking Window: 2025-2032. (7/5/22)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This wine is lovely in juicy red fruit, dried herb and hints of allspice, the tannin structure firm and giving. Offering refinement and structure, it shows nuances of black currant, cherry and toasted oak. This will do well in the cellar; enjoy best from 2029–2034. (Apr 2022)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is absolutely gorgeous. Succulent red cherry, red plum, mocha, spice and leather are front and center. Soft contours and silky plush tannins give the 2019 its tremendous immediacy and overall appeal. The 2019 is a superb wine in its peer group. Drink: 2024-2034. (Jan 2022)"

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, and 1% Malbec. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with bold notions of creme de cassis, baked plums, and black cherry preserves, plus suggestions of licorice, cast-iron pan, and charcuterie, with a touch of roses. The full-bodied palate is packed with black fruit preserves and loads of spicy accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2023-2038. (8/24/22)"

91-93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. It is due to age in oak for 18 months, in 48% new (58% French, 42% American) and 52% two-year-old French and American oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with beautifully pure notes of fresh black plums, black cherries and crushed blackcurrants plus hints of cinnamon stick, tobacco leaf and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate hits the ground running with expressive black fruits and soft, supple tannins, lifted by just enough freshness and finishing pleasantly savory. (Mar 2021)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Starting with the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, which is a no-brainer cuvée in most vintages, it reveals a dense purple hue to go with classic Napa Cabernet notes of ripe blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil, chalky minerality, and a touch of spice box. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, with silky tannins, it's a classic, concentrated, yet elegant style of Cabernet Sauvignon that will deliver the goods for two decades if properly stored. It way over-delivers. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, aged 18 months in just under 50% new French and American oak. Drink: 2021-2041. (12/21/21)"

92 points James Molesworth (Wine Spectator): "A flicker of charcoal weaves amid steeped plum, loganberry, black currant and boysenberry fruit flavors in this dark version, showing flashes of sweet bay leaf and licorice root that underline the briary finish, which has good energy. Best from 2023 through 2034. 40,000 cases made. (6/15/2022)"

91 points/'Year's Best Cabernet Sauvignons,' Wine & Spirits: "Floral cherry and currant flavors burst from this wine's tannins, which feel chewy, tightening around the fruit with their musky and smoky notes. Give it time for the fruit to fully emerge from the tannins, or coax it out with lamb burgers. (Dec 2021)"

Producer notes: "94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec from estate and grower vineyards in St. Helena, south Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Stags Leap District and Rutherford in Napa Valley. A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting violet, dark fruit, tobacco, subtle baking spice and earthy dried herb aromatics. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. A focused, concentrated wine with youthful energy and freshness nimbly balanced by supple tannin structure and finesse."