Author: Dirk Chan
This week’s online offer is the 2017 Phelps Innisfree Cabernet Sauvignon – $45.99 (regularly $56.99)
Joseph Phelps has long been one of Napa Valley’s flag bearers for outstanding Cabernets – his flagship red Insignia is one of the cult wines of the region and a multiple time 100 pointer. Innisfree is made from blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon that just miss the cut for the Phelps Insignia. Often that happens in years when the crop is generous and yield is abundant. It is a fine wine for a second label, with less oak, a beguiling approachability, easy drinkability and most importantly, much less money than the star bottlings.
The wine itself is obviously Napa – fragrant, offering up bright, intense Bing cherries, cassis, black raspberries, red currants while the palate offers much the same with some added chocolate notes in a well-rounded, balanced mouthfeel. Soft velvety tannins in the long, sustained finish. Meant for near-term drinking.