Reviews & Ratings

2009 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon "Insignia"

Winery: Joseph Phelps

Vintage: 2009

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Insignia"

Wine Category: Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, & 4% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $200

Cases produced: 10,540

KWG Score: 95.7 (based on 7 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: December 3, 2012

Wine Review: This opaque and onyx colored Cab based blend opens with a blackberry and old oak bouquet with hints of herbs and leather. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, and concentrated. The flavor profile is a chalky black currant with significant notes of oak. The panel also detected some menthol and cracked black pepper. The finish is dry and its very sticky and substantial dusty tannins last for a very long time. The panel felt this very young wine needed air and time to decant. They would suggest pairing this big boy with a ribeye steak after about an hour in the decanter. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The 2009 Insignia has a beautiful deep garnet hue with incredible depth and concentration. Aromas of freshly crushed blueberries and blackberries intertwined with baking spices, cigar box and attractive floral notes are followed by seamless tannins, texture and finish. This wine is focused and fresh, with a youthful showiness.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Joseph Phelps 2009 Insignia.