Joseph Phelps Vineyards : Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

A Napa Valley wine of remarkable density and elegance

The estate
Founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps near St. Helena in Napa Valley, California, Joseph Phelps Vineyards today spans 525 acres of vines spread across eleven estates in Napa Valley and on the Sonoma Coast. Owned by LVMH since 2022, the estate remains a worldwide reference for Cabernet Sauvignon and its iconic blend Insignia, the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend from California, created in 1974. A pioneer of Rhone-style wines in California, Joseph Phelps Vineyards also cultivates Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, and is a certified Napa Green Winery, with a focus on excellence and environmental sustainability.

The vineyard
This 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley from Joseph Phelps Vineyards comes from carefully selected parcels throughout Napa Valley. The blend is sourced from several prestigious sites, including Suscol in the Napa Valley AVA, Yountville in the Oak Knoll AVA, Home Ranch in the St. Helena AVA, Banca Dorada in the Rutherford AVA, Las Rocas and Barboza in the Stags Leap AVA, and El Venadito in the Oak Knoll AVA. These diverse terroirs contribute distinct characteristics, creating a wine of exceptional complexity and balance.

The vintage
The 2022 growing season in Napa Valley began with mild weather, with bud break occurring from late March to early April. The season continued with sunny and mild conditions through August. Early September brought a significant heatwave, with several days exceeding 43°C across most of Napa Valley. Despite these challenging conditions, the red varietals were harvested between September 9 and October 5. Careful fruit selection using optical sorting equipment ensured that only the highest quality grapes were used for winemaking.

Winemaking and aging
This California wine benefited from 16 months of aging in barrels. The aging program utilized 48% new barrels (equal parts French and American oak) and 52% second-fill or older French and American oak barrels. This balanced approach to oak aging allows the wine to develop its complexity while preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.

Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon (91%)
Petit Verdot (4%)
Cabernet Franc (2%)
Malbec (2%)
Merlot (1%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Joseph Phelps Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Tasting

Color
This wine presents a deep and rich ruby red color.

Nose
The aromatic profile opens with expressive notes of black cherry, pomegranate, and cassis. Cedar spice and toasted nuances add complexity to the bouquet.

Palate
The palate reveals flavors of raspberry compote and dried wild berries. This full-bodied wine shows impressive density and elegance, supported by well-integrated tannins that balance power and finesse.

Food and wine pairings
This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye steak, braised beef ribs, or roasted herb-crusted lamb. It also complements aged hard cheeses such as aged Cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Service and storage
To fully enjoy this 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley from Joseph Phelps Vineyards, it is recommended to serve it between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for 30 to 60 minutes before serving enhances the wine's aromatic expression and softens the tannins.