Few Napa winemakers can be considered as “legendary” as Chris Phelps. After starting out at Chateau Petrus (not a bad place to start), he went on to open Dominus for Christian Moeuix, and from there became head winemaker at Caymus. He now runs his own premium winery, Ad Vivum, and does the winemaking for his son Josh’s project Grounded Wine Company.
The Wine Enthusiast gushed over their 2016 Steady State Napa Cabernet, an Editors’ Choice which they said “overdelivers on its price point at $65.” I guess Wine.com agrees, as they sell it for $74.99.
From four very special vineyard sites: one in Oakville beside Silver Oak, one in west Rutherford and another very special one in St. Helena right by Beckstoffer’s Dr. Crane. All areas Phelps knows well.
The Wine Enthusiast says:
This impressive red overdelivers on its price point, combining the main variety with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot, aging the whole in French oak for 18 months (40% of it new). Truffled earth, compost, bark and gunpowder give it a savory edge that leads to a juicy, balanced midpalate of black fruit, cocoa powder and dust.
They in fact rate this equal to the 2012 Ad Vivum Cabernet from Phelps (at $150) and above the 2011!
Phelps says:
Broodingly deep ruby in color, 2016 Steady State shows fragrant notes of cassis buds, ripe red and black cherries, as well as warm, complex aromas of blackberry brambles, wild rosemary, and lavender. Intense and focused on the palate, the tannins are well-proportioned, lending elegance and charm throughout the long, aromatic finish. While drinkable upon release, this wine has the balance and structure to drink nicely for 8 to 10 years.
Suckling, Dunnuck and the Wine Spectator also rate it outstanding.