Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

A 1/4 century in bottle…mmmm. I have had every 90’s vintage of Phelps Napa, except a 90 I think. Many of those multiple times at 15 yrs plus. This 99 is as good as any of the ones I’ve had. 98, not a great vintage but the 98 consistent with the rest and 99 better than many would expect.

Siting it, it has a dark core with little or no brickish edges. The fruit still very lively.

The nose shows; slightly candied to ripe & some slightly plummy fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, pomegranate & raspberries. Cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, anise to black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry tobacco, used leather, dry stems, dry crushed rocks with dry top soil, graphite, cocoa powder, dark cola, steeped berry tea, moist clay, dark & red bright florals framed I liquid violets with a touch of lavender.

This is still around its peak. M-M+ velvety, round tannins. It’s round w/ elegance defined. Nothing that bits back. Palate confirms the nose. Slightly candied to ripe fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, baked strawberries, pomegranate & raspberries. Cinnamon stick, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, anise to black licorice, sweet tarriness, dry tobacco, used leather, dry stems, dry crushed rocks with dry top soil, limestone, dark Asian spices with some palate heat, dry herbs w/ a sage lead, graphite, used charcoal ash, cocoa powder, caramel, dark cola, steeped berry tea, moist clay, dark & red bright florals framed in liquid violets with a touch of lavender, very round, beautiful acidity, well; made, knitted, structured, tensioned w/ excellent length and elegance-balanced finish that lasts minutes & lands on moist clays and ripe, evolved fruit.

Perfect w/ the Prime Ribcap. — 9 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez, now run by Manuel, Isabel & Isaac Muga Caño. Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice, unmistakable Muga. 4 grape blend from the Haro district (70% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), palate shows cherry and currant flavors with espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Soft full tannins, lively acidity on a medium+ finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Nice value! Great vintage! — 2 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on November 3, 2023 at Home]

The Kite’s Rest estate vineyard is located in Anderson Valley, 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Cherry and dried red currant, with licorice, smoke, stony minerality and spice. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

In 1877, Illario and Leopoldo Ruffino laid the foundations of their dream to make Italian wines from the heart of Tuscany. Medium Ruby red color with aromas of dark berry fruit and earthy spice, blend of 80% Sangiovese with rest Merlot and Cab Sauv. On the palate flavors of black cherry and plum with tobacco, pepper and earthy cedar notes. Full-bodied, well balanced soft drying tannins on a smooth medium+ finish. Grab some Italian food and enjoy the great value wine. Consistent quality, a Fav!! — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend of about 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest Merlot & Cabernet Franc, aged in new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruit, spice, floral and vanilla notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with cedar, vanilla and cacao, nice mouthfeel. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and sweet spicy mineral notes. Very nice, great value! — 2 years ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.0

Cabernet Sauvignon at 37 percent, 36 percent Cabernet Franc, the rest Merlot in this vintage so less Cab Sauv and Tannins dominated. Good balance and easy drinking. March 2024. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

I was expecting more from this reputable producer of Chianti. The bottom line is that this is too young to be drinking now, especially for such a long living wine. The mid palate needs to fill out to catch up with the tannic finish which means the wine finishes with some astringency. Needs to rest in a cool cellar for 5 to 10 years at least. — 3 years ago

with Hugh and Georgina

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice and oak. 4 grape blend from some of CVNE's best vineyards in the Rioja Alta (85% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), aged in both French and American oak for 24 months. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with licorice, vanilla, tobacco & toasty oak tones. Soft full ripe tannins, wonderful balance, lively acidity on a long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Very nice! — 7 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Pale golden color, complex aging, 34% new French oak-15 months, 30% stainless-4 months; 18% in Foudre for 9 months; rest concrete egg for 14 months. Aromas of stone fruits, oak, nuts, floral and spice. On the palate flavors of peach and pear with honeysuckle, integrated toasty oak and nice citrus tang. Long finish, ending with a wet stone mineral character. Outstanding! Will age well! — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Medium lemon color, aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral and mineral notes,
aged for 15 months in 64% new oak, rest in neutral oak. On the palate flavors of apple and pear with citrus wrapped in a nutty texture. Medium+ finish, lively acidity, ending with fruit, spice and savory citrus character.
— 2 years ago