Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon

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1992 Cabernet Sauvignon

A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards throughout the Napa Valley (including estate-owned grapes in Rutherford and the Stag's Leap District; 7% Merlot; 1% Cabernet Franc. This wine was divided into two aging lots, with 80% going into French oak barrels, and 20% into American oak. After blending both lots, the wine was aged an additional year and bottled in August, 1994

Aside from a heat spell during the first two weeks of September, weather conditions during the 1992 growing season were generally favorable. A warm, dry spring provided ideal conditions for bloom and set, and crop yields promised to be high. By removing immature clusters during the ripening period, uniform fruit quality was ensured and grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness. Because of the warm growing season, the finished wine is slightly fuller-bodied than the 1991 vintage, with softer tannins and ripe, smoky flavors of berry and cassis. The long, smooth finish makes it an ideal candidate for current enjoyment, but the wine will continue developing in the bottle for many years to come.

From Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: Joseph Phelps 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon. Dusty spice, hints of smoke and subtle scents of dried leaves are complexing accents to dense, yet moderately open fruit in the nose, and the generous flavors of this well-filled youngster come across boldly with lots of woodsy spice and a solid sense of deep, nicely-extracted fruit.