1993 Joseph Phelps Insignia

Although much lighter than the two top vintages of 1991 and 1992, it is a medium-bodied, soft, fully mature red exhibiting notes of Asian spices, licorice, red and black currants, and forest floor, and sweet tannin in the finish. While not likely to improve, it is capable of holding for another 5-10 years. This was a complicated year weather-wise, with rain during the flowering, which lowered the crop size, and an unusual and irregular growing season with serious heat spikes in both August and September. Careful monitoring and selective harvesting was required. The 1993 Insignia (a 5,480-case blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot; 13.5% alcohol) was the first vintage to be aged 26 months in 100% new French oak.