Joseph Phelps – Insignia Estate Grown 2011 – Napa Valley

The nose is aromatic. It reveals notes cassis, blackberry and Sichuan pepper combined with a subtle touch of wild strawberry, a very discreet hint of bell pepper as well as subtle touches of sweet spices, oak and spices. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a slight acid frame (in the background), gourmandise, a slight suavity, a slight unctuosity, a beautiful silky matter as well as a good definition. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry cream, fleshy strawberry and slight notes of blueberry associated with slight touches of cassis, discreet hints of ripe bell pepper as well as subtle touches of pepper and a very discreet hint of almond on the finish. Tannins are fine and slightly chewy. There are slight touches of chocolate, vanilla / toasted touches and almond on the persistence. An outstanding wine!