I always think it's silly I have the Coravin, but barely make use of it. So when I had the opportunity to use it where it made sense, which was a quick virtual happy hour with friends on the other side of the country, I took it!
Then two weeks later, after a Napa trip (notes coming soon), wanted a night cap with a friend, so this was a solid opportunity to revisit the wine!
Both notes are below. The punchline is there was legitimately no difference in my mind between both pours. Now there's about one third of the bottle left, which I will try to open in the next month, so will report back.
Side note, love Joseph Phelps and while the Insignia gets all the attention, their portfolio is wonderful and the estate grown Cab is lovely!
Apr 13, 2026
Finally made use of the Coravin to enjoy a glass (well, glass-and-a-half) of this wine for a catch-up with friends.
Drinking well right out of the bottle, no major decanting needed.
Drank in a Josephinenhütte, which gave this plenty of air in the glass and allowed this to open.
Picked up lots of dark fruit, dark plums, blackberry, blueberry, alongside some coffee and cinnamon, maybe slight cocoa.
Also a floral nose, maybe some violets?
In a great place right now, but may get better with some more age.
91 points.
Apr 26, 2026
Coravin experiment 2.
Two weeks after initial usage.
Still a little tight. No difference.
Dark fruit, blackberry, dark cherry, plum.
Lots of cloves, cinnamon, slight vanilla.
Slight eucalyptus.
Some pencil shavings as well.
Lovely wine in a great place, can easily go for a while longer.
91 points.
by rnjbond
2 Comments
Did you use the standard needle or the vintage needle?
I’ve had a very similar experience, but watch out the Coravin haters/doubters are going to pop up.
Also enjoyed a lot of Phelps stuff (including Insignia) but disappointed the family sold.