Joseph Phelps Insignia 2019

`Joseph Phelps Insignia 2019 is a full-bodied Bordeaux blend from the Napa Valley of California. Grapes for the Insignia cuvée are sourced primarily from Rutherford and Stags Leap. The wine is typically matured for 22-24 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The family-run Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973. Over more than four decades, Joe Phelps has transformed the winery into a Californian icon which consistently produces critically acclaimed wines - the proprietary Insignia red being the prime example. This wine was first produced in 1974 and has received four perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker (for the 1991, 1997, 2002 and 2007 vintages). "Smells ripe and heady on the nose, expressive and seductive. This is rich and bold, it`s edging on too much, with lots of wood on show in the slightly heavy texture, liquorice and coffee flavour and fullness in the mouth but there are such alluring and captivating aspects to this wine with striking details of rose, tobacco, blackberry, red berries and dark chocolate shavings on show. I like the fragranced aspects and the energetic acidity that gives lift and a sense of brightness but this is a strong, powerful and muscular wine that will need at least a decade to come around. Given enough time it will be beautiful. Ageing 24 months in 100% new French oak." Decanter, 2022