2005 Joseph Phelps Insignia [WA96][WE95][W&S94][V92][WS92] WINE

Producer: Joseph Phelps  
Region: Napa Valley, California 
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot  
Year: 2005 

Wine Advocate, 96 Points 

“The 2005 Proprietary Red Insignia (14.5% alcohol and typically aged 24 months in new French oak) is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot. Juicy, fresh and vibrant, with a dense, ruby/purple color, and a classic nose of licorice and crème de cassis as well as hints of new saddle leather and earth, the wine is a brilliant blend that after ten years shows no evidence of the 24 months it spent in new French oak.” 

Wine Enthusiast, 95 Points 

“This is not a wine for tonight, or next year, or for at least the next six years. It’s shut down in tannins, with an astringency that can’t be overcome even with decanting, although that won’t stop people from opening it before its time. Buried beneath the tannins are well-developed black currant, roasted meat and cedar flavors that define upscale Napa Cab. Really fine and distinguished, a wine to cellar and enjoy for many years. *Cellar Selection*”  

Wine & Spirits, 94 Points 

“For now, it’s a sleek wine, with black currant flavors equal to a substantial presence of oak. The tannins are superripe and luxurious; they gain detail with air, becoming more mineral while allowing a fresh scent of roses to come forward.” 

Vinous, 92 Points 

“Bright ruby-red. Musky aromas of black raspberry, plum, mocha, smoked meat, porcini and underbrush. Plush, thick and quite dry, showing excellent depth and good lift to its flavors of black raspberry, pine needless and cigar box. With aeration, this wine showed a building truffley perfume and substantial tannins. Any early sweetness this wine might have shown has been nicely integrated.” 

Wine Spectator, 92 Points 

“Smooth, supple and complex, offering wonderful aromas and serving up a range of herb- and mineral-laced currant, black cherry, blackberry, sage and pebble notes. Ends with a clipped edge.” 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.