12/98. Received as present from a visiting American wine enthusiast.
Phelps 'Insignia' is one of the few California reds I had the pleasure of tasting in the past. A few years ago I tasted the 1990 in New-York. I still have one bottle of the 1991 which, as I understand, may need more aging than the 1993 we opened tonight.
88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot is the grape mixture according to the label.
COLOR: Dark red with violet tones. Some thinning towards the rim.
NOSE: Very nice bouquet. Blackcurrant, liquorice and wood, with the warm nose of Merlot, are all apparent. Cedar and tar elements, very similar to those of Bordeaux, are also very much there.
TASTE: Very tasty, fruity and vibrant. Discernible tannins and quite a lot of acidity. Not diluted by any means, quite rich and expensive on the palate as a matter of fact. Yet, not particularly complex with only a medium degree of 'winyness'.
LENGTH: Pretty long aftertaste that tends towards sourish tones.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium body and silky texture. Open fruit, good acidity, soft tannins, medium winyness.
OVERALL: Excellent-plus! A pleasure to drink but perhaps not something that will stay in memory for ever...
MARK: 17.5/20.aaaaaaaaBUY MORE? Yes.

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Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.