Joseph Phelps Insignia 2014 LP 97+

Lisa Perrotti-Brown 97+

Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc coming from six vineyards and reared for 24 months in 100% new French oak, the 2014 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed blackberries and fresh blackcurrants with touches of cigar box, sandalwood, dried lavender, beef drippings and mocha plus a waft of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly elegant and fine in the mouth, the lively fruit is well structured by grainy tannins and seamless acid, finishing long and earthy. 14,500 cases were made.

Roughly 10 years after the vintage, the 2014 Insignia continues to drink well. Cedary cigar box aromas join ripe cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is plush, open-knit, soft and accessible, with ample length on the finish. Ready to drink now and for the next decade.