2018 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa

(98 Points) The 2018 Insignia is a fabulous showing in this vintage. Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec, which all spent 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. It begins with a complex aromatic profile of ripe black currants, blackberries as well as blueberries that are joined by violets, graphite, mocha, mint, cigar box, herbs and gravel nuances that all take shape. This continues to impress with its gorgeous full-bodied texture that is structured with beautifully polished tannins resulting in a lovely finessed mouthfeel as it works its way across the palate. It goes on to display outstanding overall balance and concentration, as layers of ripe dark fruits, mocha and spices continue to build up to the long supple finish. The 2018 is already extremely impressive, however this wine clearly has the potential, and track record to age marvelously for decades. (JD) Review Date: 05/2021, Int'l Wine Review