1983 Joseph Phelps Cabernet

Phelps Cabs have been great, see my earlier post on the 2005. The Insignia, Phelps top end Bordeaux style, is a signature wine from Napa and even with the volume produced it is a consistently great wine. This 1983 should have been drunk 10 years ago (just a guess). Today it exists only as tannin, acid and the remnants of flavor beaten out of existence for the most part. Kind of a sour port. A friend shared it with me, it had been kept in good storage conditions since purchase and did not taste as though the bottle had turned. It was just well past any prime and unlike some older wines where everything has faded and leaves a subtle pleasing flavor, this is just the bitter elements. It was only $13 back in the day.

Back in awhile.

leh