Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2017

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

The Joseph Phelps Party. This is the 17 Insignia. The nose shows; brooding, black currants, dark tarriness, heavy expresso roast grounds, heavily extracted; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum with skin, raspberries, cherries and strawberries faintly on the glass edges. Smoked meats, deep baking spices; clove, nutmeg, light cinnamon and just a touch of vanilla, dark turned earth, some dry top soil and fresh dark florals bouquet dominated with violets and lavender. The body is round & full. The fruits are ripe, candied & juicy. It’s a brooding Insignia that will need lots of cellar time. The body is thick, round and heavy. Dark tarry, meaty tannins. Dark currants and well extracted; blackberries, black raspberries & black plum. Raspberries, cherries, and strawberries bring up the rear. Smoked meats, anise, tough leather, big pipe tobacco, woody, deep baking spices; clove, nutmeg, light cinnamon and just a touch of vanilla, dark turned earth, some dry top soil, dry to moist clay, graphite and fresh dark florals bouquet dominated with violets and lavender. The acidity is round and big. The full finish is brooding, well textured with great balance and persists endlessly.