Cabernet Sauvignon PHELAN Napa Valley

Phelan Ranch, never heard of it? Then you're just like us. But that's okay, because we're all learning new things every day, even at my ripe old age. And in our defense, 2022 was the first vintage harvested at Phelan Ranch, high above Lake Hennessey, east of St. Helena. It was our buddy Russel Bevan who tipped Thomas and Matt off to check out Phelan Ranch. Russel gave it his all during that phone call, describing the most beautiful vineyard imaginable, perfectly planned and planted in the rocky, red soil with no expense or effort spared. Expectations were high as Thomas and Matt set off on the winding road to visit the Phelans. And believe it or not, Thomas told me that all his expectations were exceeded many times over. PHELAN is probably the hottest new project in Napa Valley. And yes, Thomas Brown knows a lot, most of the new plantings in the valley, so his opinion is one to be taken seriously. And the wine? Yes, it is similarly unexpected, unexpectedly great, as you will discover. Dark berries blend with chocolate notes and a spicy herbal component and a touch of iodine to create a hellishly seductive aroma. The palate is impressive. Wow! With indescribable presence, the wine moves across the palate, leaving no doubt about its quality. The tannins are wonderfully enveloped by the powerful body and are silky smooth. In the finish, they shape the wine and become slightly more robust, giving the wine a seemingly endless finish. This is a serious Napa Valley wine of the highest caliber. At this price, the wine is without comparison!