The only 2015 I was able to taste from this estate (I couldn’t visit due to the fires), the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Deeper and richer than the 2014 with gorgeous notes of black currants, plums, graphite, toasted spice and licorice, this beauty is full-bodied, supple and seamless on the palate, with fine, fine tannin and surprising freshness and purity. It’s a beautiful, layered wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years. While I couldn’t visit at Joseph Phelps due to the fire, their 2014s (and a few 2015s) showed beautiful in my tastings in Colorado.

Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, sourced from six vineyards, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a medium to deep garnet-purple color and nose of red and black currants, black raspberries and mulberries with hints of pencil shavings, cinnamon stick, cloves and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has great freshness, with the vibrant, open-for-business fruit well supported by ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with good length. 23,000 cases were made.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa seems slightly richer, even though there is less Cabernet Sauvignon in it (78%), with 15% Merlot and the rest the other three Bordeaux varietals. This will spend 18 months in both French and American casks. The wine has a deep color, loads of glycerin, a plump, juicy, succulent mid-palate, and plenty of blue and black fruits in its flavor and finish. Drink it over the next 15+ years.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon clearly shows the struggles of the vintage. Unusually dark, jammy and powerful, the 2015 is very ripe and at times alcoholic. It will be interesting to see how the wine reacts to the final period of its aging in barrel. Today, the elements aren't fully put together.