Joseph Phelps · Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley · 2022
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 combines lifted dark cherry and plum aromas with cedar, fresh herbs and supple tannins. A Cabernet-led Bordeaux-variety blend, it balances plush fruit and rounded texture with aromatic freshness and harmony.
Producer & Legacy
Joseph Phelps Vineyards describes its story as a relentless pursuit of excellence, honoring the past while exploring new possibilities. Across half a century and three generations, the team has carried forward Joe Phelps’s commitment to winemaking, gracious hospitality and sustainability efforts in its vineyards and wineries.
The winery’s reputation is closely linked to Insignia, introduced in 1974 as California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. Joe chose the name to represent the finest lots of each vintage, emphasizing blending rather than varietal designation as a measure of quality. Insignia’s 2002 vintage was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2005, and its 1991, 1997, 2002 and 2007 vintages received 100-point Wine Advocate scores. Robert Parker described it as “one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blends.” These honors refer to Insignia, not this Cabernet Sauvignon bottling.
Joe built the winery’s early reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône-style wines. Its portfolio now spans Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards, giving the winemaking team opportunities to explore both regions.
Tasting Notes & Winemaking
Red and black fruits, dark cherry and damson plum are joined by cedar, vanilla, tobacco and graphite notes. The palate offers rounded texture, softly integrated tannins and an approachable character. The blend is led by 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot, and is raised in French and American oak.
Expert Reviews · 2022
James Suckling, 94 Points
Bright, lifted, black and red fruits with aromas of dark cherries, damson plums, cedar box and fresh herbs. The full-bodied palate has a supple, rounded mouthfeel and softly integrated tannins. 91% cabernet sauvignon with smatterings of the other main Bordeaux varieties. Lively and approachable yet plush with plenty of years ahead.
Vinous Media, 92 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is terrific, especially for a wine of its level and production. Aromatic, medium in body and impeccably balanced, the 2022 is seriously impressive. It is perhaps a bit more floral and lighter than most years, but its balance and overall harmony are beyond reproach. This is a strong showing. New oak is 45%, 27% French and 18% American.
Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot brought up in French and American oak. Classy red and black fruits, vanilla oak, tobacco, and graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's ripe, rounded, and nicely textured, with good mid-palate density and a good finish.
The Wine Advocate, 90 Points
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. Redcurrants and cherries are joined by gentle dusty earth notes and hints of vanilla and cedar on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is a bit more dusty and drying than the 2021, yet it remains soft and approachable.
Pairing Suggestions
Try with grilled steak, roast lamb, braised beef or mushroom dishes to complement the dark fruit, cedar and savory notes.
Details
- Producer: Joseph Phelps
- Vintage: 2022
- Bottle size: 750ml
- Country: United States
- Region: California
- Appellation: Napa Valley, Napa County
- Primary grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot; remaining varieties Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot
- Type: Red wine
- Oak: French and American
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