1999 Joseph Phelps Merlot

Mick and Amy dropped in last night to chat. They were off to Mexico for vacation as of 2:00am Saturday morning, so we weren’t going to have our usual Saturday night dinner together. I decided I was in the mood to open up a bottle and for the box of Truffles we had in the cupboard.

"Stunning"

I went down and found a bottle of 1999 Joseph Phelps “Napa Valley” Merlot on the rack. Joseph Phelps is an amazing winemaker; some of my all time favourite wines are from this winery.

I grab four glasses and opened the bottle and was greeted by a stunning aroma from the bottle itself. I was shocked at how deep purple the cork was, it was almost black. I served the wine and my wife, Kathy, was about to swirl the glass and I told her not to bother – the aroma was so powerful, it didn’t need any help.

"Holy Sediment, Batman!"

The wine was rich and smooth and decadent in how good it tasted. As we were sitting around enjoying the wine, the ladies noticed the bottle – there was so much sediment on the side of the bottle that it looked almost painted on.

Wine Spectator – 1999 Joseph Phelps “Napa Valley” Merlot

Lots of character. Dark, rich and plush, with an array of exotic flavors ranging from spicy currant to mocha-hazelnut to wild berry, herb and coffee. Well-balanced, with firm but fleshy tannins and a long, complex aftertaste. Drink now through 2009. 7,500 cases made. –JL

I picked this wine up in NY from Premier Group for $44.99 US (about $74 CDN.) and it is worth every penny.

Cheers!

Mark