Joseph Phelps Private Tasting

Joseph Phelps Private Tasting

Fellow Pour Boy (our wine group), Dan, is a long time wine club member and procurer of Joseph Phelps wines. He has an extensive vertical collection of Phelp’s wines including their flagship Insignia and ultra-premium Backus labels spanning more than a decade. 

Dan has sponsored and hosted visits to the magnificent Phelps estate vineyards and winery in Napa Valley for our wine group including this fabulous tasting as part of our Napa Valley Wine Experience back in 2017 - .Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Winery Tasting.

Dan has brought or served Phelps ultra-premium selections to many of our Pour Boys group wine tastings as well as serving them at his daughter’ Hillary’s wedding. 

So it was that when Joseph Phelps considered Chicagoland members of their club for private tastings, Dan was chosen to host such an event. 

Our Pour Boys wine group was represented by Dan, me, Lyle, and Bill who came in from Charleston, via Napa Valley, SFO and Lake Tahoe, for the occasion. 

We were joined by long time dear friend, Jared Gelband, Wine Director of Italian Village Chicago, where and with whom we often frequent for special tastings, wine dinners, work team and family dinners  - as featured often in these pages - 

Italian Village appoints Jared Gelband Wine Director

Team Dinner at Italian Village Chicago

Merry Christmas - Frozen and gala family wine dinner

Sassicaia Owner Dinner and Vivere Vertical Tasting

The guests included Dan’s and my Linda’s as part of the group of Linda’s in attendance.

Dan put out a broad selection to hors d’ovres, charcuteries including special sausages, cheeses and small bytes for the tasting. 

The Joe Phelps estates today consist of eleven different vineyards in the acclaimed AVAs across Napa Valley and the western Sonoma Coast. Today’s flight featured wines from the Sonoma Coast and premiere Napa Valley sites. 

Joseph Phelps wine ambassador Christine came to Chicago and curated a special tasting of Phelps wines at Dan’s residence in northwest Indiana. 

The Phelps wine flight consisted of their Ovation sparkling wine, Freestone Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the Phelps line-up of premium and ultra-premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. 

The wine flight:

Phelps Ovation Sparkling Wine 2018

Phelps Freestone Sonoma Coast Pastorale Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Phelps West Sonoma Coast Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023

Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

Phelps Insignia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Phelps Backus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

The Ovation sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are sourced from Phelps estate vineyards on the western Sonoma Coastal area near the town of their namesake, Freestone. Freestone's wines are defined by two distinct estate vineyards: Pastorale and Quarter Moon. Each site, nestled on the fog-swept, rugged edge of the Sonoma Coast, possesses a unique terroir that imparts singular characteristics. The vineyards benefit from persistent coastal fog, sculpting winds, and soils shaped by ancient marine sediments, creating a micro-climate unlike any other.

These are limited release wines allocated for availability through the Phelps wine club. 

Phelps Ovation Brut Sparkling Wine 2018

In 2015, Phelps produced the winery’s first sparkling wine called Ovation, to honor the extraordinary life of Joe Phelps. It was comprised of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Pastorale Vineyards. 

Joseph Phelps notes -  “Ovation – Freestone Vineyards” sparkling wine is produced from estate fruit grown at the Freestone Ranch on the far Sonoma Coast, a region known for its cool climate and coastal fog. Joseph Phelps Vineyards began developing the Freestone property in the late 1990s, marking a major expansion from their original Napa Valley roots. “Ovation” reflects the winery’s commitment to crafting méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine with long lees aging and meticulous vineyard sourcing.”

Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Ovation Brut is a méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine from the Sonoma Coast's Freestone Estate vineyards, primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, known for its fine bubbles, bright acidity, and complex notes of citrus, stone fruit, brioche, and toasted nuts. It's crafted with long lees aging, resulting in a creamy texture and elegant structure that develops with bottle age, showcasing the cool-climate terroir. 

Ovation is typically a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (e.g., 80/20 or 78/22). 

“The winery’s third vintage of Ovation Sparkling Wine is overflowing with aromatic green apple, citrus zest, stone fruit and toasted brioche with hints of citrus blossom. A wine of focused textural refinement with creamy layers of white peach, white raspberry, vanilla sponge cake and a pleasing saline character.” 

The 2018 has firm acid structure and tension with additional flavor benefits following cellar aging.

The winery’s third vintage of Ovation Sparkling Wine is overflowing with aromatic green apple, citrus zest, stone fruit and toasted brioche with hints of citrus blossom. A wine of focused textural refinement with creamy layers of white peach, white raspberry, vanilla sponge cake and a pleasing saline character.

Straw colored, medium bodied, “The winery’s third vintage of Ovation Sparkling Wine is overflowing with aromatic green apple, citrus zest, stone fruit and toasted brioche with hints of citrus blossom. A wine of focused textural refinement with creamy layers of white peach, white raspberry, vanilla sponge cake and a pleasing saline character.” 

Single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pastorale and Quarter Moon Vineyards

Phelps Freestone Western Sonoma Coast Pastorale Vineyard Chardonnay 2024

Phelps acquired properties in western Sonoma County in Freestone in 1999 where they planted vineyards and built a winemaking facility. The area traditionally known for cattle, pasture and forest land, has ideal conditions for growing ultra-premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. Just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, the micro-climate is regularly shrouded in a marine layer of fog that lingers into the early afternoon on most summer days, surrendering to afternoon sunshine. The area’s Goldridge soils are ideal for growing quality grape varietals. 

Phelps planted the Pastorale Vineyard on what was a former dairy farm, to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in 2000. A year later, they planted the Quarter Moon Vineyard down the road entirely to Pinot Noir in 2001. 

This Chardonnay is a blend assembled from four blocks within the Pastorale Vineyard in Freestone on the western Sonoma Coast. The Chardonnay blocks include clone 2A, Mt. Eden, Hyde Old Wente, Montrachet, Maro, and Old and New Calera. 

It is 100% Chardonnay from the Pastorale Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA, from Clone selection includes Mt Eden, 2A, 76, Old Calera, New Calera, Maro Barrel Aging: The wine was aged for fifteen months in 58% new French Oak and 42% used French oak puncheons before bottling

Winemaker’s notes - “This Chardonnay from Pastorale Vineyard opens with bright, perfumed aromas of lemon citrus, white flowers, and a hint of lemon custard that suggests subtle richness.”

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/5711801

Phelps West Sonoma Coast Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023  

This 2023 release is 100% Pinot Noir from the Quarter Moon Vineyard in the West Sonoma Coast AVA comprised of  Clone Selections: 459, 777, 828, Calera, and Pommard, 115. It was barrel aged for thirteen months in 52% new French Oak and 48% one-to-three year-old French oak barrels before bottling.

Winemaker’s notes - “This 2023 Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir is considerably savory, showcasing the darker, more structured side of the appellation. Black cherry and blackberry provide depth and concentration, while cranberry and pomegranate bring vibrant acidity. Sage and dried Mediterranean herbs create a complex profile that balances fruit and herbal elements. Elevated acidity and firm tannins give the wine a structured backbone that calls for food pairing.” 

Insignia, Cabernet Sauvignon from Backus Vineyard

While not part of the tasting, we were introduced to and able to order this limited release Napa Syrah. We’re eager to receive and try this Syrah from this iconic vineyard. 

Syrah from Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard

Single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pastorale and Quarter Moon Vineyards

Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

The Joseph Phelps 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by fruit from Yountville and Suscol; only 21% of the blend is from growers, as there's a push toward estate fruit. As always, there's some American oak in the mix, but that proportion is evolving downward. 

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Merlot. 

The wine was aged for sixteen months in 48% new oak (50% French, 50% American) and 52% used French and American oak barrels before bottling 

This release was rated 94 points by James Suckling, 92 by Vinous, 91 by Jeb Dunnuck and 90 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Winemaker’s notes - “Our Cabernet Sauvignon opens with an enticing bouquet of black and red fruits - juicy black cherry intertwined with fresh pomegranate and bright cassis. Notes of cedar spice and toasted coconut add intrigue and sophistication to the aromatic profile. On the palate, layers of raspberry compote and dried wild berries unfold across a full-bodied frame. The wine shows impressive density while maintaining elegance, supported by well integrated tannins that provide structure without overwhelming. This is a wine of both power and finesse.”

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/4877025

Phelps Insignia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

In 1974, the idea to blend the finest wine lots of the vintage into one bottling was revolutionary in America and in the Napa Valley. A true visionary, Joe Phelps was one of the first American winemakers to see the merit in blending, proving his conviction when he debuted “Insignia” in 1974. According to Robert Parker, “Insignia remains one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends.”

Phelps created “‘Insignia”, to signify a wine of excellence and superior quality, the ‘distinguishing mark’ allowed the wine to freely adapt to the varying combination of varietals from vintage to vintage. Insignia would quickly become the seminal wine of Joseph Phelps’ legacy.”

Insignia is sourced from up to eight Napa Valley estate vineyards planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc planted on select sites.

The 2022 release is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. 

It is 100% estate grown from Phelps vineyards:

28% Yountville Vineyars in the Oak Knoll District

27% Banca Dorada Vineyards in Rutherford

19% Las Rocas Vineyard in the Stag’s Leap District

11% Home Ranch Vineyard in ST. Helena

9% Suscol Vineyard in South Napa Valley, and 

6% Barboza Vineyard in the Stag’s Leap District

It was aged 24 Months in 100% New French Oak 

It was rated 96-98 Points by Jeb Dunnuck.

Winemaker notes - “The 2021 Insignia captivates the senses with vibrant aromas of black cherry, hibiscus, and wild blackberry, subtly accented by fresh earth and a hint of Tahitian vanilla. On the palate, these dark fruit characteristics are harmonized with warm tones of redwood bark and baking spices. Plush, soft tannins and bright acidity enhance the length, complementing the rich fruit and savory undertones. A compelling tension infuses the wine with focused energy, promising it will express beautifully for years to come.”

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4617350

Phelps Backus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 

Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard is a highly-coveted, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, known for its power, structure, and aging potential, often compared to Bordeaux wines. It's made from grapes grown on a specific hillside, aged in 100% new French oak, and features intense flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth, with a muscular, long finish. It is distinct from Phelps's multi-vineyard Insignia blend, as Backus is released in limited quantities and designed for long-term cellaring. Considered a wine that requires significant bottle age (often a decade or more) and can last for decades. 

This single vineyard designated label is 100% from the Phelps estate Backus Vineyard, a 21-acre site on the eastern slopes of Oakville, Napa Valley in the Oakville AVA.  

It is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon 9% Malbec and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for twenty-four months in 100% new French oak barrels before bottling.

From Oakville’s Backus Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers plush notes of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry compote, accented by cedarwood, warm clove, and a savory hint of black olive. Iron-tinged minerality adds firmness and depth to the profile. Plush yet structured, the palate finishes with mocha, black tea, and refined tannins that promise graceful aging for years to come.

Backus is a Phelps Preferred exclusive Cabernet Sauvignon. You must be an active Member and login to your account to access this rare wine.

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4877026

https://www.josephphelps.com/

Pour Boys - Winers and Diners Fall Cityscape Dinner 2024

 Pour Boys - Winers and Diners Fall Cityscape Dinner 2024

The Winers and Diners contingent of our Pour Boys wine group met for another CityScape dinner hosted by Terry and Lyle F.  This is the group traditionally hosted by Lyle and Terry at their West Loop Chicago pede-a-tere turned luxury flat. 

We had the extended group of regulars for the wonderful evening of dinner and fine wines.

The gala dinner main course dry rub ribs cooked on the grill, fingerling potatoes, cole slaw, corn bread, and a southwest bean combo.

Prior to dinner the appetizer course included gezpacho, an extensive selection of artisan cheeses, shrimp, and deviled eggs, charcuterie, pickles and olives.

For the appetizer course there was a broad selection of sparkling and still white wines. 

• Haykin Family Cidery Ela Family Farms Cuvee’ Methode Ancestrale Sparkling Cider - Dan picked this up at Duck Inn (Chicago) Pour Boys Wine Group Dinner where we dined last month.
• Greywacke New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 2019
• Roland Tissier Sancerre 2019
• https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4208644
• Veuve Cliquot Brut NV Champagne
• Pierre Paillard Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Les Parcelles 2017 
• https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3726313

Dan assisted Lyle in set-up and the dinner preparation including grilling of the ribs. 

Moving to the dinner course we had an extensive selection of red wines to complement the extensive dinner courses. 

The wine flight included several memorable labels from visits to the producer estate by members or combinations of members of the group. 

The red flight, in serving/tasting order:

• Domaine Grand Veneur “Les Origines” Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006
• Chateau de Vaudieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016
• Peter Michael Les Pavots 2008
• Joseph Phelps Backus Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
• Rubissow Reserve Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
• Hall Winery Napa Valley Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
• Clarendon Hills Clarendon Moritz Shiraz 2011
• Lagier-Meredith “Tribidrag” Mt Veeder Red Wine 2019
• Seghezio Rockpile Zinfandel 2016
• Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Highlights - 

Peter Michael "Les Pavots" Knights Valley Bordeaux Blend 2008

It would be easy to say this was my WOTN - WINE OF THE NIGHT with its sophisticated Bordeaux Blend although when taking into account the food and wine pairing, this might be best suited for a grilled beef tenderloin, and some of the other bolder wines better suited to the grilled ribs. In any event, this is a spectacular wine. 

This is Peter Michael’s flagship with every attention to detail such as single berry selection, Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot. 

The 2008 Peter Michael "Les Pavots" was awarded a near perfect 98 points, “Top 100 of 2011, Collectible” by WS, 97 by James Suckling, 95 by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and 94 by ST of Int'l Wine Cellar.

Dark ruby colored, full bodied, smooth, elegant, polished, seamlessly integrated and balanced black currant blackberry and plum fruits with notes of tobacco, mocha chocolate, licorice and hint of cedar and truffles with silky smooth firm tannins on a lingering finish. 

RM 95 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?1087438

http://www.petermichaelwinery.com/

Hall Winery Stag’s Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

My WOTN - Wine of the Night candidate would be this Stag’s Leap District Napa Cab, a label we know well. 

Bill brought this from his home cellar in Charleston. We’ve Visited the Hall Napa Valley Rutherford Estate Winery and Cellars several times including back in 2013 and then again in 2017 as posted again in these pages - Hall Rutherford Winery Estate Appellation Tasting. 

During our many tastings and visits to the magnificent Hall Cellars together over the years, we’ve tasted this amongst the broad portfolio of highly rated ultra-premium Hall wines. Bill acquired this as part of his wine club allocation.

Records show we tasted and acquired this wine during our visits there and as part of our Club allocations. Bill beat me to the draw and brought one first to one of our (joint) tastings, while I still hold this label in our cellar. 

 

This was rated 97+ points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 95-97 points by Jeb Dunnuck and 93 by Vinous.

Bill’s notes on this wine as posted in CellarTracker -  WConnolly Likes This Wine and gave it 94 points - “Needs two hour decant for the heat to blow off but this is spectacular. Dark black and blue fruit with cinnamon and pepper on the palate. Very full bodied and brooding. Grippy tannins and plenty of backbone. After a couple of hours of air, some subtle herbal notes emerge but this is very fruit forward. Lingering finish. This was one of my offerings for a barbecue dinner and this was spicy enough to stand up to the grilled ribs, beans and cornbread.

Dark inky blue-purple-black colored, full bodied, firmly structured but elegant, smooth and polished, concentrated, rich layers of ripe blackberry, black raspberry and cherry fruits with notes of lavender, earth, cinnamon spice, crème de cassis hints of cigar box, with ripe, firm, grainy tannins on a long deep finish.

RM 95 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?2639918

http://www.hallwines.com/

Joseph Phelps Backus 2003

This other ultra-premium Napa Cabernet likely would’ve been a candidate for WOTN if only I hadn’t missed it in the tasting as it was depleted before I had a chance to sample it. 

This is from another favorite producer. We all visited the Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Winery for a Private Tasting during that same trip to Napa. Ernie brought this special bottle as well, both he and Dan hold a vertical collection in their cellars that they acquire as part of their wine club allocations. 

Rubissow Special Reserve Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Several of us also visited the Rubissow Mt Veeder estate and vineyards during our Napa Valley Mt Veeder Wine Experience back in 2011. We featured that visit in these pages in this post - https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2011/03/mt-veeder-appellation-trail-rubissow-mt.html.

While several of us, Eric, Bill and I, all placed orders for wine during that trip, and opted-in on joining their wine club, only Eric got their newsletter and solicitations and offers on new wine releases. He acquired this limited release special bottling as part of those offerings. 

While this was the best Rubissow I’ve ever tasted, it lacked the power, opulence, elegance and finess of the aforementioned bottles. It was very good none-the-less. 

While we each acquired Rubissow wines over the years, at the winery and at auction, none of have this label in our cellars, so we won’t likely see it again for a follow on comparison tasting - especially since Rubissow discontinued production under their own label and this was their final vintage release. 

This release was crafted by Tim Milos of Opus One, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, and Cliff Lede fame. It was packaged in a heavy oversized bottle with painted logo on the front and label info on the rear.

True to Mt Veeder profile, this was big and powerful jammy black fruits with accents of cassis, spice and black tea notes, with fresh acidity and a long, spicy, toasty finish. 

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3071345

In the spirit of BBQ Ribs being the theme for the evening, several of the labels were targeted at, to be paired with, and ideally suited for this focus - most notably the Zinfandels and the Chateauneuf-du-Papes. In that regard, one of the more interesting and unique wines of the evening was a Zinfandel ‘cousin’ - as noted by Carol Lagier - another producer we visited together on our Mt Veeder appellation tour. 

Lagier-Meredith “Tribidrag” Mt Veeder Red Wine 2019

 

This is a classic wine to take to a blind tasting for fun and folly - a real challenge. We learned during our visit to Lagier Meredith back in 2011 that Carol was a Research Geneticist who studied the DNA of wine varietals. We were intrigued to learn of her findings determining the shared lineage of Syrah and Shiraz.  

For 23 years Carol Meredith was a professor in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California at Davis, commenting daily between Napa and Davis with the aid of audio books and Starbucks.

In addition to teaching courses, she conducted research in grape genetics. Her research group used DNA profiling methods to discover the origins of some of the greatest old wine varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

In partnership with Steve Lagier, in 1986, they bought a property back a steep, bumpy, rutted 1.5 mile dirt road high up on Mt Veeder. Steve worked at Mondavi for 14 years before leaving in 1999 to devote all his time to their own vineyard and wine. Carole Meredith left her ‘day job’ in 2003. 

Because they both had day jobs, it took several years to prepare the land for their first vines that were planted in 1994. The vineyard occupied only a small part of the 84-acre property - the rest remaining in its natural state., Their first release was in 2000. 

Lagier Meredith focused on Rhône varietals, and some other unique and interesting 'varietals such as this Tribidrag. 

In her studies at Davis, and then for a period while working at Mondavi, Carole had been in charge of the project that ultimately determined the origin of Zinfandel to be the ancient Croatian variety, Tribidrag. Though it had long been thought to be Primitivo (which it is), Carole's groundbreaking work with DNA profiling led to the discovery of its Croatian origin.

Bill discovered this unique label during that visit to the estate back in 2011 and acquired it as part of their wine club allocation in the following years. 

This Trbidrag was uniquely smooth and polished, yet full and round with vibrant fruit akin a ‘traditional’ or typical Zinfandel. 

Bill posted his tasting notes for this in CellarTracker and wrote - “WConnolly Likes This Wine” and gave it 92 Points.

“Dark, inky color in the glass. Blackberry, Raspberry, pepper and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Full bodied with plenty of tannins, this will last until 2030 at least. a nice accompaniment to our barbecue dinner.”

Steve and Carroll sold their vineyard in 2022 to winemaker Aaron Pott, with whom they had worked for many years. They sold it for the sum of $0 in an agreement in which they would continue to live on the property and work in the vines for as long as they wished. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4113622

Then, Terry served her delectable signature dessert course - Cheesecake bites and chocolate petit-fours prior to desert, her famous Mandarin Orange Cake with whipped cream and Cherry Chocolate Fudge Cake with fresh fruits and whipped cream. 

With the dessert course Lyle served a vintage port.

Grahams Vintage Port 2000

Lyle served this at our Pour Boys OTBN dinner back in 2020 when I wrote in these pages:

It is customary in these events that Lyle brings a vintage port from his collection. In recent years he has been disappointed by the showing of several labels, although the rest of us were not. Tonights selection was wonderful and met the highest expectations for the brand and the vintage. This may have been the best showing and best representation of a port in all our years of tasting together. 

At twenty years this was clearly at its prime but is perhaps only half way through its drinking window. What fun it will be to monitor this label as it ages, if you're fortunate enough to have acquired several bottles. 

This iconic release got 98 points from  James Suckling and Wine Spectator and was “Ranked #9 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2003”, 96 from Decanter, and  94 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and International Wine Cellar,  

James Suckling of Wine Spectator said, "This is the greatest glass of Graham I have ever tasted, young or old." It was recognized in the Top 100 of 2003 at No. 9, Collectibles. 

The 2000 vintage produced a very tiny crop, just 650 g per vine on average (they usually harvest 850 g per vine from Malvedos – their lowest yielding, most consistently cropping quinta). That said, the fruit was rich and concentrated. Wine Spectator summed it up saying, “ The 2000 growing season is known for quality over quantity.

Saturated black-ruby colored, full-bodied, superripe, powerful, huge, dense and rich black fruits,  yet balanced and smooth, opulent yet elegant, notes of mocha bitter chocolate and licorice and cassis, the finish lasts for minutes going on and on on your palate. 

This is what a vintage port is supposed to taste like and this is a benchmark standard bearer.  

RM 97 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=192

See postings of our other earlier group gatherings under OTBN - Open That Bottle Night, which traditionally occurs the last Saturday in February. 

 

Previous Pour Boys OTBN Events

Pour Boys OTBN 2019 - Open That Bottle Night

Pour Boys OTBN 2018 - Open That Bottle Night

Pour Boys OTBN 2016 - Open That Bottle Night 

Pour Boys OTBN 2015 - Open That Bottle Night -  Bordeaux Anchors OTBN 2015

Pour Boys OTBN - Open That Bottle Night 2014

Pour Boys OTBN 2013 - Open That Bottle Night 2013 

Pour Boys OTBN 2012 - Open That Bottle Night

Pour Boys OTBN 2011 - Open That Bottle Night.

Backus Sassicaia Dead Arm Highlight Grilled Steak Dinner

Backus, Sassicaia, Dead Arm - Diverse Big Reds Highlight Grilled Steak Dinner

Dr Dan hosted us for grilled steak dinner and opened a diverse pair of premium Bordeaux varietal reds - Joseph Phelps Napa Backus and Super Tuscan Sassicaia. I brought a Dead Arm and Shafer premium Chardonnay to round out the dinner wine flight.

Before dinner Dan served shrimp cocktail and a cheese course of swiss and sharp cheddar with an assortment of olives. For this course I brought and served Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay as a starter.
 
With grilled New York Strip steaks, Dan served twice baked potatoes, grilled asparagus and portabello mushrooms.

The diverse Reds each complimented features of the meal. The grilled steak were an ideal highlight with the Backus while the portabello mushrooms were a perfect match to the Sassicaia.




Shafer Napa Valley Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2011

This single vineyard grown Chardonnay is from Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard, located on 68 acres in the Carneros district at the top of San Fransisco Bay where Napa and Sonoma come together at the bottom of Mt Veeder at the foot of the Mayacamas Range that separates Napa from Sonoma. Unlike Napa Valley which is known for its Bordeaux varietal wines, the Carneros appellation, with its cool breezes and fog that rolls in off the Bay, is more suited to Burgundian varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The vineyard is named for the the Red-shouldered Hawks who, along with other birds of prey, help protect the vineyard from vine damaging gophers who feed upon the rootstock of the vines.

This was straw colored, medium bodied, subtle lemon and citrus accented by tones of apple and pear with nice, well balanced crisp acidity and a clean structured lingering finish.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1446015

http://shafervineyards.com/ 

With grilled New York Strip steaks, Dan served twice baked potatoes, grilled asparagus and portabello mushrooms. The diverse Reds each complimented features of the meal. The grilled steak were an ideal highlight with the Bachus while the portabello mushrooms were a perfect match to the Sassicaia.


Joseph Phelps Backus Napa Valley Red Wine 2007

Notably, Joseph Phelps premium labels were the highlight feature wines of Dan's father of the bride celebration dinner - Backus and a vertical selection of Phelps Insignia. This wine is from the single designated Backus Vineyard in the Napa Oakville appellation, located south of Oakville Cross Road on the east side of Silverado Trail. The vineyard is planted in 20 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 acre of Petit Verdot, and 1 acre of Malbec.

Elegant, silky smooth, polished, a symphony of perfectly balanced flavors, this was the ideal opening red for the dinner course. Dark garnet/purple colored, medium-full bodied, aromatic nose and flavors of a medley of sweet ripe berry fruits accented by slight subtle tones of vanilla, and sweet oak with a whisper of cassis and mocha that are so nicely integrated they're almost indistinguishable in isolation, turning to supple full but silky smooth tannins.

RM 94 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=687176

http://www.josephphelps.com/


Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia Super Tuscan Red Wine 2006

Despite being an Italian wine, this Super Tuscan is a Bordeaux Blend - 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. In fact, the rootstock for the Cabernet was actually sourced from vines from the innumerable Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

A very different character and style in contrast to the silky smooth smooth polished Backus. This wine begged for hearty food to balance its firm forward concentrated taste profile. It was best paired with the grilled portabello mushrooms.

This was dark garnet colored, full bodied, firm, tight, complex and concentrated black berry fruits accented by a layer of cassis, graphite, smokey creosote and dark expresso, turning to firm tannins on the firm, long, lingering finish.

RM 93 points.

 https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=592899


d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2000

We hold close to a dozen vintages of this label and this vintage is one of the bigger, more vibrant and expressive of many our vintages of Dead Arm.

Dark garnet colored, full bodied, rich, thick concentrated, almost chewy, floral, spicy tones of ripe blackberry, black raspberry, with more subtle blueberries and plums, with hints of black pepper and spices turning to structured nicely balanced tannins on a long full finish.

RM 92 points. 

While this could stood in for any course of the dinner, the bright vibrant expressive fruit was best suited for the dessert course that Linda brought with dark chocolates, dried cherries, and fruit tarts with kiwi, strawberry, and grapes. 
 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=7545

Gala celebration dinner features Phelps Backus - Insignia Napa Cabernets

Gala celebration dinner features Phelps Backus and Insignia Napa Cabernets - a 'once (or twice) in a lifetime' tasting flight!

I've written often in these pages about various and customary investment strategies for building a wine cellar. Pick a varietal, a region/appellation profile that you like, determine key vintages that reflect the best of that wine, and pick key vintages you wish to commemorate for birth or anniversary years or other special occasions, all according to an acceptable budget. The result should be a selection of wines for all occasions - every day wines, once a week and once a month wines, and once a year or once in a lifetime special occasion wines.

Saturday was one of those special occasions warranting special wines... Attending Dr Dan's daughter Hillary's wedding, he gathered and served two very special wines for our reception dinner - Joseph Phelps Bachus and Phelps Insignia, from various vintages, showcase highlights from Dan's cellar collection.

Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Oakville Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

You know its a special wine when each bottle label has its own serial number. This is the premier selection of the Joseph Phelps collection.

This 2005 release tasting was a bit closed and tight, at ten years old this has many years of life yet and may not even have reached its peak drinking window.

Dark inky garnet purple colored, smooth polished nicely balanced black berry and black raspberry fruits, tones of anise and cedar turning to a hints of dark mocha on the long lingering silky smooth tannin finish.

This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 24 months in new oak.

Tasted alongside several Insignias its hard to pick a favorite. More on that below as we parsed the various vintages of Insignia.


Joseph Phelps Insignia vertical selection/collection - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

What a treat to parse these different vintages. While the venue didn't allow for a technical tasting, since the bottles were dispersed across the select tables, and brought out serially by the servers, the selection of the flight was extraordinary and a very special treat indeed. And being a gala celebration, it didn't allow for discrimination of one glass to the next, hence, I won't endeavor to try to handicap or comment on each vintage, rather some comments and remembrance notes.

While Backus may be the ultra-premium label, Insignia is the flagship of the Joseph Phelps brand. It is a Cabernet based blend of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with highlights of Bordeaux varietals and an occasional Malbec, that vary from vintage to vintage. Annual production is around a thousand cases plus.

Phelps Insignia 2008
rear label

Phelps Insignia 2010
rear label

As I review my photo's of the labels. which is a great way to capture the tasting flight order, I note that the while the rear labels of Insignia cites the blend for that vintage, it does not reference the vintage (shown left)! What a shame since its impossible to match the blend to the vintage unless one pairs the photo of the front label with the rear label.

I cant imagine why they do this and find it hard to believe it is done on purpose, as much as I find it hard to believe that it is an oversight, being the flagship of such a sophisticated label, with so many years history. Frankly, its unfortunate and bit irritating when trying to recreate a tasting experience and learn from and critically review the various vintage reflections.

We started with the 2006 and that set a benchmark for the evening. Moving to the 2008, Bill cited that as his preference, while I favored the 2004. The '06 was tight and a bit closed while the '08 came across as more approachable and open.

More approachable still was the '04 which was not as firm, bold or concentrated, but tended to have more sweet tones which I tend to favor. Linda liked the more approachable '04 as well. Then the '10 was presented and it seemed to eclipse all the others in a symphony of refined polished perfectly balanced flavors.

Tonight's experience was consistent with my earlier tasting notes for this (2004) release: Dark ruby and inky purple color, full bodied, this required about an hour to open and reveal its true character and fruits - complex but elegant and polished rich deep concentrated notes of blackberries, cassis, with hints of rich, crème caramel, sweet oak and cedar with smooth polished finely integrated tannins on the long finish.

My photo log indicates we tasted the '07 in the series and I admit I don't have recollection or reflection on that release. Imagine that! Since it doesn't stand out one way or the other, then the fact is it was fine refined quality drinking and fit the occasion. 

All the releases showcased classic Insignia characteristics - complex concentrated full bodied jammy black berry, black raspberry and plum fruits with full gripping but smooth polished tannins on long lingering silky finishes.

Thanks, Danny for sharing a splendid flight - the best of the best ... from your cellar with us pour boys wine aficionados! I'd be remiss to not post a picture of our host, the father of the bride!