Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon

Wines

Current Joseph Phelps Vintages
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BLEND & GRAPE SOURCES:
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, with over half the blend coming from estate-grown grapes in the Stag's Leap District, Rutherford Bench and St. Helena area, and the remainder from independent growers in Coombsville, Calistoga and Carneros.

HARVEST DATE:
Late Sept. through late Oct.

WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested from late September - late October at an average 23.4 degrees Brix, fermented to 13.7% alcohol, then aged 22 months in French and American oak barrels before being bottled in July, 1996.

The outstanding 1994 vintage was characterized by a long, cool growing season, with an October rainstorm giving some growers cause for concern. However, the warm, dry weather which followed promoted good ripening in the vineyards, and yielded full-flavored fruit with extraordinary levels of pigment and mature tannins.

Even at this early stage, the 1994 Cabernet displays the characteristics of a great vintage: exquisite balance, high-toned aromas, and spicy flavors of black fruit and cassis. It will continue developing in the bottle for at least another 10 to 15 years.