2011 Joseph Phelps, Insignia, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 91+

(from a very late growing season in which the harvest took place in October): Dark ruby. Cool aromas of blackberry, dried sage and thyme, Kona coffee, black olive and peppery herbs. Boasts good density and intensity to its cassis and cherry flavors but also a distinctly green element of mint, pepper and herbs. Finishes juicy and firmly tannic: will this expand in bottle? This was the first Insignia vintage since 2000 with all five Bordeaux varieties, as a bit of Cabernet Franc found its way back into the blend–in this case, from three-year-old vines in Suscol vineyard. Hepworth believes that the wine’s green notes will diminish over time and that it will evolve gracefully. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/04/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2032