JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA, CALIFORNIA 2018

Joseph Phelps' Insignia is the top-of-the-line celebration wine everyone brags about having in their cellar. Drunk young, the wine is a marvel of fresh fruit and big, juicy tannins. Given time to mature, Insignia is all the proof one needs as to Napa's dominance when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon. Made from grapes harvested on the Napa's legendary Howell Mountain, the 2018 Insignia is a wine of depth, elegance and finesse. The palate is fresh and focused with creamy texture and layers of blackberry, mocha and black cherry. 

What the Pros Say: James Suckling - 99 Points: " Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now."

Other Scores: Jeb Dunnuck - 98 Points; Wine Enthusiast - 98 Points; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 97 Points.