Had this at a restaurant in Naples for $60. Wine was rich red in color. Aroma was weak, but probably the result of the poor stemware used. Flavors of raspberry, cassis and slight cherry, followed by a massive layer of chocolate. I mean, you could really taste the chocolate in this wine. Finish was nice, but not long lasting. Not very tannic.

WS gives the bottle a 92. I enjoyed it considerably as well.

One of the great bargains from an underrated vintage. And goodness me, I love that spectacular chocolate finish.

Fellas: I have one '95 and one '96 left--drink 'em or hold 'em? You make the call...

The 96 had some life in it, so holding it is not going to be a problem.

Have not had the 95, so I couldn't say.

Thanks, Rothko.

No problem.

Enjoy the wine, when the time is right.

mletson:

Had the 95 in June, gave it 90 points and marked it drink or hold, the latter preferred. I last had the 96 a year and a half ago and felt it was an equal drink or hold. Seems I need to get to my remaining bottles to try another soon.

CabNut

Always a dependable Wine. Have 1 mag left.

96 Phelps and their neighbor 96 Quintessa. I have and love those 96's. Some of my favorite wines are 96's. WHL 96 Reserve is another one. Any other favorite 96's out there??

'96 Trilogy is intense! Phenomenal!

jb

The '96 Gallo Northern Sonoma Cab is outstanding and drinking really well right now.

Thanks, CabNut. I'll probably drink both over the next year. Maybe even open both at the same time to compare vintages.

96 trilogy and 96 phelps. Had both within the last 4 months. IMHO,for the money, two of the best QPR wines I ever had. I think $26.99 for the Phelps, and something like $40.00 for the Trilogy.I have no idea how to score them,but after 19 years of drinking wine they would be at the top of my list. I will confess that I won't spend the money on first growths or cult cabs, so my reference is somewhat lower than what others might be.

The St. Clement Howell Mountain and the Tapestry from 1996 are right up there IMHO. And I couldn't agree more about the Trilogy. Still have four of those precious babies.
And while I'm at it, the Fisher Coach Insignia was an incredible under $20 bottle of vino.

Had this tonight. Friend brought.

Rothko, agree with most of your comments. But, I liked the aroma (good stemware). Enjoyed the finish a lot. Not very long-lasting, but solid.

Funny, did Not remember the WS points, but I gave also a 92 tonight.

Another '96 that is drinking beautifully right now is the Hess Collection Cab. I posted a TN on it last week. For $28 it is a great QPR.

IW

Enjoyed one of my last 2 bottles of the '96 Phelps Cab, last night. Agree 100% with Rothko's notes. The wine is drinking wonderfully, right now. Although this wine can go longer, I doubt that it could possibly improve. This cab easily rates 92 points.

Very nice with grilled beef tenderloin.

************
"I've gotta be honest with you, guys. I need more cowbell."

mletson,
Thanks for the notes. I have 2 of these left in the cellar, and haven't popped one in 2 years.
Looks like the time has come...

I can't afford it, but I buy it anyway.

Had this the other night. Bright cherry, Raspberry, and bitter sweet chocolate flavors, a very bright somewhat acidic wine. Nice flavorful finish with medium tannins. A really nice wine. I felt it was along the lines of the 95 rather than the 94, or 97. 91-92 pts imho. Like the 99 better.

Dohh! I put this in the wrong spot! will repost under Insignia. Sorry!

It used to be beer, the old lady, & TV. Now it's wine, American Express, & this stupid forum!