A wine of pure pleasure from winemaker Josh Phelps. A mixed berry fruit and cherry compote rises from the glass, accompanied by hints of candied violets and warm brown baking spices. Medium-bodied, the palate mirrors the aromatics, framed by crisp tannins with velvety edges. The finish lingers with cool graphite minerality, a touch of graham cracker and vanilla, and subtle nuances of crushed cocoa nibs. As I said, pure pleasure.
93 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (May 2025)
Approachable and ripe with aromas of blackberries, plums, vanilla and baking spices. The palate is full-bodied with soft tannins and an easy, fruit-forward finish. Drink now.
91 points, James Suckling (Jul 2025)
Josh Phelps represents a new generation now helping to drive California wine. While the Napa Valley Cabernet game has jumped the shark for some folks, with $200 and up the typical price point, Phelps, a Napa Valley native, is going the other direction with his value-oriented operation. Phelps learned his craft from one of the best: His father, Chris, had winemaking stints at both Dominus and Inglenook before turning his focus to his own Ad Vivum label. (The family has no relation to the Joseph Phelps winery.) Phelps sources fruit from sustainably farmed vineyards throughout the state, including in Napa and Sonoma, along with Lake County, Paso Robles and elsewhere. Having become a rock-steady value over recent vintages, this bottling gets an extra boost thanks to the strength of the 2023 vintage, offering textbook, succulent Cabernet flavors with an immediately accessible profile. 35,000 cases made.
90 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Dec 2025)
#8 - Wine Spectator Top 10 Wine Values of 2025
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