1994 Joseph Phelps Insignia

(13.5% alcohol): Bright red-ruby. Sexy aromas of raspberry, truffle, dark chocolate, woodsmoke, tobacco, potpourri and mint. Pure silk on the palate, delivering captivating floral lift and inner-mouth tension to the red berry, earth, leather and spice flavors. A savory and insinuating wine with wonderful grain and texture. Flavors are fully mature but the acidity and tannins can hold the wine together for awhile. Very long and sweet on the aftertaste, with harmonious tannins.

The 1994 boasts an inky/purple color along with a glorious nose of black raspberries, blackberries and black currants that is still somewhat primary despite nearly 18 years in bottle. The Phelps team kept this cuvee in 100% new French oak for 28 months. Its magnificent structure, intensity and purity of fruit, ripeness, balance combined with authoritative power and the magnetic appeal of this full-bodied, Bordeaux-styled wine are extraordinary. This amazing effort is just coming into its best years, and should drink well for at least another 15-20 years. The 1994 vintage has long been considered to be one of Napa Valley's finest years over the last three decades. A bone-chilling spring, a cooler than normal early summer, and a gentle, increasingly warm August through early October resulted in small berries that resulted in concentrated, pure wines. There were 8,000 cases of the 1994 Insignia made from a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc (69% from estate vineyards and 31% from growers). Still in its adolescence, the remarkable Insignia is one of many stunning Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines produced in Napa in 1994.