Log in or create an account now and be a part of the world's largest wine site Research, rate and review wines; buy online; receive personalized recommendations.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia Napa Valley Estate Bottled(2004)
- Winery:
- Joseph Phelps Winery
- Varietal:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Region:
- USA > California > Napa > St. Helena
- Type:
- Red Wine
- User Tags:
- red grape, berry, resinous, fruit, rich, color descriptors, black currant, smooth, trees, cedar
The wine was aged 24 months in new 60-gallon French oak barrels by a variety of French coopers including Taransaud, Dargaud Jaegle, Nadalie, Demptos and Vicard.
The fruit is from St Helena (27%), Stag's Leap (24%), Yountville (22%), Rutherford (19%) and Oakville (8%).
High quality and reduced yields characterized the 2004 vintage, which started out quite warm in early spring, then settled into a balmy weather pattern through July and most of August where mornings were cool and afternoon temperatures stayed in the low to mid-90's.
However, on August 27th a three-week read more...heat spell began with many days measuring over 100 degrees. As a result, some of the ripening fruit became dehydrated and had to be removed from the vines prior to harvesting. Depending on location, crop yields were reduced ten to forty percent.
Our job in crafting the 2004 wines was to moderate over-ripe characteristics, but from the very beginning the aromas and flavors drifting out of the fermenters signaled outstanding quality. Color and extract were high. In barrel, reds appeared rich and forward in structure -- characteristics that have continued to evolve and develop with bottle age.
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.
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.
Oak: 100% New French oak (hide)
The fruit is from St Helena (27%), Stag's Leap (24%), Yountville (22%), Rutherford (19%) and Oakville (8%).
High quality and reduced yields characterized the 2004 vintage, which started out quite warm in early spring, then settled into a balmy weather pattern through July and most of August where mornings were cool and afternoon temperatures stayed in the low to mid-90's.
However, on August 27th a three-week read more...heat spell began with many days measuring over 100 degrees. As a result, some of the ripening fruit became dehydrated and had to be removed from the vines prior to harvesting. Depending on location, crop yields were reduced ten to forty percent.
Our job in crafting the 2004 wines was to moderate over-ripe characteristics, but from the very beginning the aromas and flavors drifting out of the fermenters signaled outstanding quality. Color and extract were high. In barrel, reds appeared rich and forward in structure -- characteristics that have continued to evolve and develop with bottle age.
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.
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.
Oak: 100% New French oak (hide)
-
April 2008
- Tight and complex, with a deep, potent core of ripe currant, herb, sage and dusty berry fruit, shaded by light toasty, cedary oak. Deftly balanced, intense and concentrated, this is young and closed in now, yet you can taste the depth and richness. Tannic. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2010 through 2020. Wine Spectator 94 Points
- February 2008
- Well done wine, all levels reach the top. An excellent wine with full mouth fee, rich aromas, long aftertaset and great future! If only it was cheaper in europe....
- February 2008
-
Fantastic; one of the best that I've had in many years.
Rich, long lasting dryness on the back of the tongue. Blackberry bouquet with a touch of cherry, but no fruity sweetness. Excellent body. Taste develops differently with each glass. Don't miss this one.
- May 2008
- Update: Got to try it again ... smoke and toast. Smooth, silky mouth feel. Great wine.
- Wine Spectator
- 94/100
-
September 2007
