Reviews & Ratings

2004 Joseph Phelps Red Blends or Varietals "Insignia"

Winery: Joseph Phelps

Vintage: 2004

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Insignia"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 11% Petite Verdot, & 2% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $159

Cases produced: 9,000

KWG Score: 94 (based on 8 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (97.99-94)

Review date: November 27, 2007

Wine Review: This stunner of a wine is deep, dark and nearly opaque at first glance. The perfumed nose has tons of dark chocolate with ripe dark fruits like blackberry and fig as well as hints of vanilla and toasty oak. The palate is dense, tight and full-bodied with abundant supple, juicy, tannin and packed with flavors of ripe blackberries, black currant, and cassis. The well-balanced fruit forward middle also displays interesting layering of subtle spices, cedar and woodsy notes. And the finish will certainly encourage the next glass! Delicious! This would be my choice with a grilled medium rare filet or steak making the perfect combo for a hearty winter meal. - Kara

Winemaker Notes: The 2004 vintage marks the first time Insignia has been blended entirely from estate-grown fruit – the fulfillment of a dream that has taken many years to realize. The low-yield vintage produced a wine with syrupy blackberry and blueberry aromas married with seductive spice, followed by velvety tannins, roundness in the finish and outstanding texture, all of which are superbly integrated.

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