1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia, Napa Valley

Quantity Available0 in stock
Vintage1997
VarietalBordeaux Blend, Proprietary Blend
Bottle Size750ml
StyleRed
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
Bottle ConditionNormal

$398.00

Out of stock

Description

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia, Napa Valley, USA 1997

RP
100
Robert Parker
An inky/plum/purple color is accompanied by a stunning bouquet of violets, charcoal, creme de cassis and a hint of toast. Prodigious when it hits the palate with a full-bodied expansiveness, there is not a hard edge to be found in the 1997, only velvety tannins, compelling depth and fruit intensity, and stunning purity. It is a perfect expression of Napa viticulture and wine that should continue to age effortlessly for two decades or more.

An ideal warm, dry spring, June and July was followed by a surprisingly cool August that slowed down what looked to be rapid sugar accumulation in the grapes. September's temperatures were average to above average, without any potentially damaging heat spikes. This allowed the harvest to unfurl slowly, with no stress or imminent danger. For many Napa Cabernet Sauvignons, this resulted in one of the top vintages of the nineties. Consumers, observers and wine critics will undoubtedly argue for decades over which vintage of the nineties turned out to be the finest – 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995 or 1997. The 1997 Insignia is a 20,000-case blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, with 60% coming from estate vineyards and 40% from growers. The alcohol came in at 13.8%.
AG
94
ANTONIO GALLONI
Full ruby. Supersweet aromas of blackberry, cassis, bitter chocolate, espresso and tobacco. Thick and seamless yet bright and sharply defined. Very long and spicy on the aftertaste, with excellent grip. Sweet tannins coat the teeth. Williams says the selection for Insignia is based on quality and concentration rather than on a particular flavor profile.
Taste Profile
Red Fruit
Black Fruit
Spice
Earth
Oak
Fruit
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
Alcohol
Color
Purple
Best Pairing
Asian
Beef
Pork

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