Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2002 (1500ml)

Shay A

WNH virtual Insignia Tasting. Vintages featured were ‘95, ‘96, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘09, ‘13 and ‘14. This was the Wine Spectator wine of the year and received a 100 point score from Wine Advocate (for those interested in accolades and scores). Knowing the pedigree here, I knew to expect some fireworks and tried to prepare accordingly. I gave this 24hrs upright after pulling from the cellar, and then decanted about 90mins, before consuming from the decanter over the course of the evening. The cork came out perfectly via the Durand and had absolutely zero seepage up the cork. My glass of choice was the new Glasvin Expression. Really like their glasses. My first sip after opening had me looking at my wife saying “this is 18yrs old and is insanely youthful”. When hearing from my friends about their mid/late ‘90s, and for the ‘01, those offerings had basically zero merlot. The ‘00 had a similar amount to this (14%), and I think that component really elevated this to a more “elegant” style. The oak here comes across as a mix of French and American (though it’s all French)...the oak has such a distinct sweet note to it that I associate with American oak on Cali wines, yet isn’t full on coconut. Aromatically, it’s a beautiful display of cherry tobacco, black cherry cordial, violets, and elevated heady notes of black cherry pie. On the palate, there is creme de cassis, espresso, cocoa powder and mellowed red fruit before a finish that has surprisingly grippy tannin. This drinks like a bigger style left bank Bordeaux with how wonderfully integrated it is. Zero chance I’d call this 18yr old Napa cab if tasting blind. This easily has 5+yrs in this drinking window, and another 5-10 in the next evolution journey before really starting to slide. If opening now, decant 1-2hrs. One of the best expressions of aged Napa cab I’ve had this year.

LM Segal

Big, velvety and perfectly balanced. Rich red fruit, saddle leather and dried maraschino cherry. My WOTN.

Mike Saviage

Dark reddish tawny, opaque. Very perfumed. Notes of cherry, mocha, plums, moist earth and some leather. Rich and round in the mouth. Great finish. In a great drinking window.

Rob Brobst III

Wow OMG!!!

Mike Saviage

Dark and opaque. Not showing much age. Black cherries and plums in the nose. Some pencil shavings. Rich and luscious fruit. Not overly complex. One dimensional but very enjoyable.

Michael Herzog

Young, bombastic, and what you expect from this wine. However, it has a lot of time left and will be even better in 5-10 years. Wine of the year in 2003 from Spectator and it holds up.

Garen Staglin

Perfectly balanced. Wonderful fruit. Out of Magnum.

Logan Smyser

Mother's Day with my family. 100 point rating and Wine Spectator Wine of the Year! It tastes better every time I drink it.

Rob Brobst III

Holy tall green giants Batman! This is the real reason I drink wine. @Bill Bender @Warren Sapp @Neal Schaffer @Vanessa D @Eric Shanks @Jim Trobaugh @David L @Eric LaMasters @Paul T @Jade Moore @Doug Davidson @Ron R @Connor McMahon @TheSkip

Martin G Rivard

@Kirk Alexander @David L @Ron R @Joe Lucca @Mike Rowe Kirk was gracious enough to uncork this badass wine. It was wine of the year in 2002! It is in a perfect place right now. Firing on all cylinders. It was evident on the nose, Palate and immense finish. Truly spectacular. Thanks Kirk!!!