Joseph Phelps – Insignia 2011 – Estate Grown – Napa Valley

(75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc) The nose is fine, concentrated, complex and fruity. It reveals notes of blackberry and slight notes of black cherry associated with touches of blueberry, a few slight notes of licorice, slight elegant oaky notes as well as fine touches of coffee, sweet spices, dried blond tobacco, camphor and graphite. The palate is fruity, mineral, fat, elegant, balanced and offers a beautiful velvety and a beautiful frame. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of ripe fruit, strawberry, black cherry and raspberry combined with a few notes of spices, plum as well as slight notes of toasted oak in the background. Tannins are fine, elegant but still young / farms. Good length and persistence with notes of vanilla and a slight note of hazelnut. A promising wine!