STEADY STATE – NAPA
Josh Phelps grew up in St. Helena, Napa, witness to – and participant in – the processes by which the singular wines in the valley are made. In his adolescence and college years, Josh was a committed student of his father, winemaker Chris Phelps, as his family traversed the valley through the cellars of Dominus and Caymus, among others. Josh also counts among his mentors Joel Gott, Kimberly Jones, and Leslie Rudd, from whom he learned how to tell the nuanced stories of wine.
The grapes that go into this wine include vineyards that are adjacent to Silver Oak and Beckstoffer’s Dr. Crane.
Steady State – Grounded Wine Company – Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley – 2021 – 93 Points Wine Enthusiast $107.95 per bottle – six packs.
“Great balance, nervy acidity and firm tannins bode well for lots of enjoyment after this wine has matured. Classic Cabernet flavors of black cherries, black olives and dried herbs are delicious on a lively, grippy texture. Best from 2028-2038.”
“94 Points – Decanter
“A wonderfully muscular and robust Napa Cabernet sporting perfectly ripe black fruit balanced by rich, toasty oak notes and framed by dusty wild herbs. Full-bodied with plump juicy fruit and satiny tannins, finishing with elegant cedarwood, graphite, and crushed cocoa nibs. Sourced from a vineyard in Oak Knoll.”
Practicing sustainable viticulture • 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Malbec, 0.5% Merlot • Sourced from Oak Knoll, Oakville (adjacent to Silver Oak), Rutherford, and St. Helena (near Beckstoffer’s Dr. Crane vineyard) • Volcanic soils • Hand-harvested • Aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels (40% new)
“Wineries like Beaulieu Vineyard and Robert Mondavi, are reliable, well-known sources for quality Napa Cabernet. A relatively new name is Grounded Wine Co. from winemaker Josh Phelps.” Wine Spectator.
