1992 Joseph Phelps Insignia
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Tasting notes
An attractive dark plum/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of creme de cassis, spring flowers and a touch of background oak. This opulent, full-bodied, sexy, full-throttle Insignia is drinking beautifully. As the wine sits in the glass, mature aromas of black tea and charcuterie begin to emerge. It should continue to age effortlessly for 10-15+ years. A dream vintage for growers, 1992 enjoyed an early bud break, large and even flowering, warm weather during the summer and a super-abundant, perfectly mature crop. In fact, in some cases there was too much wine. There were a whopping 9,500 cases of the beautiful 1992 Insignia, a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot (82% came from estate vineyards). This wine, which achieved 13.5% alcohol, has still not reached full maturity. It is one of those magical Napa wines that has been drinkable since its release and has never closed down.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, mainly from the Las Rocas vineyard in Stag's Leap District and Manley Lane vineyard in Rutherford Bench. Aged 24 months in 60-gallon (227-litre) French oak before blending. Fined with egg whites. Deep colour. A touch leafy with a graphite note and some mushroom aroma but still fruit at its heart. I also detect a hint of something a bit like disinfectant and/or mustiness. The second bottle was better, with more fruit on the mid palate, but it was still rather woody (not oaky). (JH)
An attractive dark plum/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of creme de cassis, spring flowers and a touch of background oak. This opulent, full-bodied, sexy, full-throttle Insignia is drinking beautifully. As the wine sits in the glass, mature aromas of black tea and charcuterie begin to emerge. It should continue to age effortlessly for 10-15+ years. Nov 2013, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.