Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
Curiosity finally got the best of me as it was a buddy’s birthday and he wanted to try this 2007. I think this received a three digit score, so whether points matter to you or not, it’s fun to try and get a data point.
Tried a glass right at pop, then drank from the decanter over the next 4-5hrs.
This was quite the rollercoaster. It was big and bruising the first hour, then blossomed in to an extremely smooth and balanced Bordeaux style blend. Dark red and black berry fruits, violets, mocha, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco all dominate the rich mid-palate. It seemed to somewhat shut down after 3+hrs, so either pop and enjoy or hold another three years for this drinking window.
Curiosity finally got the best of me as it was a buddy’s birthday and he wanted to try this 2007. I think this received a three digit score, so whether points matter to you or not, it’s fun to try and get a data point.
Tried a glass right at pop, then drank from the decanter over the next 4-5hrs.
This was quite the rollercoaster. It was big and bruising the first hour, then blossomed in to an extremely smooth and balanced Bordeaux style blend. Dark red and black berry fruits, violets, mocha, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco all dominate the rich mid-palate. It seemed to somewhat shut down after 3+hrs, so either pop and enjoy or hold another three years for this drinking window.
Dark purple color, opaque and heavy in the glass with a warm, inviting nose. Notes of mocha and unsweetened chocolate, black cherries and blueberries, some soil and some warm pie fruit. Fruit forward and silky in the mouth. Seductive. Well balanced. Has lot of everything going on, big and bold.
Dark purple color, opaque and heavy in the glass with a warm, inviting nose. Notes of mocha and unsweetened chocolate, black cherries and blueberries, some soil and some warm pie fruit. Fruit forward and silky in the mouth. Seductive. Well balanced. Has lot of everything going on, big and bold.
Oct 31st, 2021
It never completely opened but throughly enjoyed @Bill Bender
It never completely opened but throughly enjoyed @Bill Bender
Jul 19th, 2021
Impressive wine! Decanted it for 30 min. Checked it at opening again at 30 min but it opened up around 50 min. Full and complex with strong black fruit, cocoa, and oak spice. This is still a baby in terms of maturity. As always Insignia delivers as true as a Bordeaux first growth would, which was their model from inception.
Impressive wine! Decanted it for 30 min. Checked it at opening again at 30 min but it opened up around 50 min. Full and complex with strong black fruit, cocoa, and oak spice. This is still a baby in terms of maturity. As always Insignia delivers as true as a Bordeaux first growth would, which was their model from inception.
1 person found it helpfulSep 6th, 2015
Power, power, power.... This vintage at seven years old is still a baby. Lots of ripe black fruits complemented with blue and red fruits with a little sweetness from the oak. Can't wait to revisit in another seven years
Power, power, power.... This vintage at seven years old is still a baby. Lots of ripe black fruits complemented with blue and red fruits with a little sweetness from the oak. Can't wait to revisit in another seven years
Aug 29th, 2015
From magnum. Tight jeans
From magnum. Tight jeans
May 21st, 2015
Out for dinner - wife's 37th birthday
Out for dinner - wife's 37th birthday
Mar 7th, 2014
1.5 hour decant(decent fine/cloudy sediment). A young looking exquisite dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: Subdued hints of dark cherry, dusty earth, graphite, smokey vanilla, cigar wrapper, olives. Taste: soft, smooth, creamy wine glides across the palate with black fruit, tar, chocolate, cedar, and a plumy pencil lead medium finish with a little tannic kick......More time? Will the fruit hold? Got a few more bottles to see if the score will improve.
1.5 hour decant(decent fine/cloudy sediment). A young looking exquisite dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: Subdued hints of dark cherry, dusty earth, graphite, smokey vanilla, cigar wrapper, olives. Taste: soft, smooth, creamy wine glides across the palate with black fruit, tar, chocolate, cedar, and a plumy pencil lead medium finish with a little tannic kick......More time? Will the fruit hold? Got a few more bottles to see if the score will improve.
Oct 22nd, 2022