Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting both Bruce Cakebread and Bill Phelps at Copa restaurant at Sands Macao. Over a sumptuous dinner, we discussed our love for Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons, varietal expressions and a sense of place or terroir, which both Cakebread and Joseph Phelps has in abundance.
First to arrive was the scallop carpaccio with persimmon puree and lime that was paired with the Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay 2010, which had a citrusy lemon and lime Chablis-like notes. This was followed by the Wagyu beef short rib risotto with the Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2009. The US prime rib eye with garlic whipped potatoes was succulent, cooked perfectly and matched perfectly with the Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2009.
This was followed by duck breast with wild rice crackles and berry jus with the highly regarded Joseph Phelps Insignia 2009. Aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries and sweet spice followed with an enticing acidity that keeps this wine fresh and elegant.
Last, but by no means least, Savarin with strawberry and mascarpone ice cream and the Joseph Phelps Eisrebe 2009.
In the late 1960s, Joseph Phelps was running one of the largest construction companies in the US when he won the bid to build Souverain Winery, which is now called Rutherford Hill and located in St. Helena. In 1973 he bought the 600-acre Spring Valley, and began planting vineyards. The winery was completed in 1974 and that same year the first Syrah was made, the first grapes were crushed at the new facility and the first Insignia was produced.
Four decades later, the flagship wine, Insignia, is recognized as one of the world’s great wines. Thirty-two of 37 vintages have been rated 90 or more points by various wine publications. The 2002 vintage was awarded “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator magazine.
Since its founding in 1973 by Jack and Dolores, Cakebread Cellars has been famous for its warm, gracious hospitality and unmatched wines. The initial winery was built pondside after two years of hard work, and finally released its first wine which was a Chardonnay. They also crushed some Cabernet Sauvignon in Keenan Winery and the first Cabernet Sauvignon was a 1974 release. In 1979 Bruce Cakebread joined the family business as a winemaker full time after graduating from UC Davis, and he is now the President and Chief Operating Officer.
Forty years on, Cakebread Cellars and Joseph Phelps are still considered among the greatest names of Napa Valley and after tasting some of the wines, I am not surprised.
