1998 not the best Napa Cabernet vintage. However, good producers still find their way through difficult vintages. Joseph Phelps is the rule rather than the exception.
This was poured out of magnum and drinking beautifully by their Hospitality Manger.
Nicely ripe, lush juicy fruits of blackberries, blackberries, both plums, some purple & blue fruits. Dash of spice & lead pencil, anise-black licorice, soft baking spices, caramel notes, some dark chocolate, fresh dark flowers, round acidity and a well balanced, softened structure & tension, elegant, nicely evolved finish that lasted a full minute. — 3 months ago
Deep ruby/purple opaque, pepper, tobacco and red fruit, lovely Shiraz — 4 months ago
Traditional Bordeaux style blend. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of blackberry jam, violets and toasted bread. Palate is full of jammy black currant/berry flavors with additional notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, blueberry, graphite and baking spices. Full bodied and juicy. Not overly complex but very well made. A bit more bottle age is necessary for the wine to calm down a bit. Thanks for sharing, Ron B! — a month ago
The fruit for "La Chapelle" is sourced predominantly from Le Méal and Bessards (with a little form Greffieux and Rocoules. Relative to the two Chave’s, the 1988 “La Chapelle” seems a bit more like a Hermitage fastball right down the middle of the plate. Desiccated mixed berries, olives, purple flowers, and minerals with a touch of ethyl acetate. Again a great pairing with grilled lamb and Moroccan spices. Vinous and drinking well now through 2035. — 4 months ago
Sweet fruity and a great finish — a month ago
Deep purple color.
Aromas of cassis, stewed blackberry, vanilla.
Off-dry. Flavors of cassis, blackberry jam, vanilla, black pepper. Rich, chewy tannins.
Intensity: 5/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 19 days ago
A very pleasant Pinot Noir! We enjoyed along with a meal and all on its own. Would buy it, again. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and vanilla. — 4 months ago
Amazing botanicals with an oak finish. Simply amazing! — 5 months ago
Ted
Went to buy a wake surf board. The store didn’t have any but a wine shop was near by. Saw a TikTok about this and had to try. Still way too young. Has some of the green pepper but wow. Smooth tannins and gorgeous dark fruit. Hints of black licorice. Had a big ribeye so very happy now. — 24 days ago