Phelps, Joseph - Insignia 2005

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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. Full-bodied, opulent, but still youthful, this wine looks set for another 25-30 years of aging. The wine’s best elements are its finesse and elegance allied to great richness and intensity. This wine is accessible now, as most Insignias tend to be, but much of its greatness will be revealed over the next two decades."

WEINWISSER: "92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot. 12.500 cases. Seit dem Jahrgang 2004 stammen alle Bordeauxsorten aus eigenen Weingärten. Dunkles Rubinrot, opak. Intensives, elegantes und tiefgründiges Bukett von schwarzen Kirschen, Leder, Creme de Cassis, sehr feine Röstaromen, Zigarrenkiste, Unterholz, öffnet sich weiter mit zunehmender Belüftung. Packend und saftig im Auftakt, schwarze Kirschen, ein Hauch Amarena, fleischig, etwas Rosmarin, elegante und dennoch jugendliche Tannine, die bestens integriert sind, mit viel Finesse im reichhaltigen von und sehr langen Finale."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "From a blend of blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec, this deeply colored wine offers blackberry, coffee, blueberry and spice aromatics. Thick, rich and plush in texture, this California Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking great today."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "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."

WINE SPECTATOR: "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. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Best from 2011 through 2018. 12,000 cases made."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Rather ridiculous special bottle. Dark crimson. Actually pretty convincing and beautifully knit on the nose. Mellow and rich with balsamic and black olive notes. Very luscious and sumptuous."