71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 21% Merlot; 6% Petit Verdot; 1% Cabernet Franc; 1% Malbec. Always in the hunt for top honors in any vintage, Phelps's tete du cuvee scores big points again for its stunning impressions of fruity depth, its appointment of lovely oak and its altogether impeccable sense of balance. Full on the palate with plenty of volume and lots of essential extract, it is remarkably refined and is finished with an aftertaste of cassis, plums and vanilla that seems to go on forever. Like it...

Deep ruby. Roasted aromas of currant, black cherry syrup, licorice and grilled nuts. Powerful but smooth and sweet, with superb, extremely unevolved dark berry flavors and a strong mineral note of graphite. Excellent acidity contributes to the impression of intensity. Very long, mounting finish features firm tannins and lively dark berry flavors. This bottling has been consistently superb in recent years, even in the difficult 1998 vintage.

WA91. Drink 2005 to 2023. Very good power. Drank much better than an '06. Drank 12/09.