Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

My first of nine bottles. Good first look. 13 such an excellent & big vintage. This is still midway to the top of the bell curve. 15-20 yrs plus depending on storage & taste.

The 2013 fruit clusters had small berries that were nicely ripened by the season, which meant more skins vs berry that gave it tannins, structure & depth.

Epic vintage.

The nose reveals; a lift of sage & rosemary. Black currants, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to pudding, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, grey volcanics, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers.

The palate is round, lush & thick. M+ dry, velvety tannins that penetrate deeply w/ teeth. Black raspberries, black plum, dark cherry liqueur, anise core to black licorice, sage, soft rosemary, dark chocolate to black plum pudding, caramel, dark spices w/ heat, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon to stick, vanillin, mixed cola, steeped tea, some black pepper, limestone, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, dry twig, moist clay, grey volcanics, leather, graphite, moist tobacco, oak barrel shavings, withering to dry; dark, red, purple flowers, round, rainfall acidity with a rich/lush, nearly balanced, still strongly toned/structured, elegant finish with length & teeth that lasts minutes and lands on spice & earthiness.

It is still a baby. Plenty of life ahead. It has much more to offer. 15-20 yrs depending on storage and age taste. Add 1-2 points in 10 yrs. — 4 days ago

Sam Friedland

8.9

Was fine, but nothing to write home about!✍️ — 7 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This is classic JP Quarter Moon.

The 18 has nice evolution while holding its vineyard characters. It shows medium dark fruits; black cherries, blackberries, strawberries, nicely layered spice & baking spices, mid red flowers, excellent acidity and a finish that is elegant, well balanced-knitted and lasts 90 seconds.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! — 8 months ago

Barry Shailes

10

Freebie from the salon event. Very nice. — 10 months ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep ruby color. Aromas of black fruit, thyme, bell pepper and baking spices. Blackberry on the palate, herbs and earthy finish.

🏅97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
🏅97 Points - Robert Parker — a year ago

LM Segal

9.5

Best Easter/Passover wine ever. So pure, delicately layered and with beautiful balance. Probably at its peak but no rush. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I recently had a conversation with a few Joseph Phelps Ambassador’s at Pebble Beach Food & Wine in April. I said, I had every vintage of Insignia back to 2006 in storage. They said, “you should really drink up the 2006.” So, I coravined an 06 last weekend, a taste. I agreed then. But tonight not the case, it shows it still has a fair amount of life. Another 5-8 yrs and perhaps plus.

My Ribcap, a definition of Medium Rare Plus.

The nose reveals floral; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, dark cherries and blue fruit notes. Melted dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, softly layered baking spices, very underrated graphite, steeped tea, mid berry cola, red licorice, limestone powder, dry top soil, dry twig, red, dark candied to slightly withering florals w/ liquid violet cola.

The palate shows well resolved, rounded, velvety M+ tannins. Nicely ripe fruits that are floral; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, dark cherries and blue fruit notes. Melted dark chocolate, mocha, caramel river, softly layered baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon stick & vanillin, warm caramel, dark Asian spices with palate burrowing heat, dry tobacco/ leather, cedar, grilled meats, very underrated graphite, sweet tarriness, black licorice, steeped tea, mid berry cola, red licorice, limestone powder, dry top soil, dry twig, red, dark candied to slightly withering florals w/ liquid violet cola, candied to withering; dark, red, blue florals wrapped in liquid violets, epic rainfall acidity, well balanced-structured-toned, elegant finish that lasts minutes and falls on earth & heated spice.

95-96 peaking. — 18 days ago

Jake Hajer

9.1

Good wine. On the richer side of Syrah. — 6 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

1hour decant(some chunky/fine sediment). A striking still dark magenta color with little bricking. On the nose: Inviting notes of sweet red/blue fruit, smoked meat, floral, worn leather, nutmeg, wet forest floor. Taste: velvety, smooth, elegant, savory mature wine with dried cherries, cocoa, leather, scorched earth, and a minerally mocha long lingering finish. YUM!! — 8 months ago

with Brenda

Mark Mannebach

9.3

Bright cherry and blueberry up front. Long smooth finish with a little spice — 10 months ago

Jan de Weerd

8.9

Basically…disappointed. We were ready for a big Cab but this was a bit of a dud. Limited finish and also did not develop much on the palate. 9 years old had expected layers of leather, cigar etc but none of that. Mostly single note and lack of vibrancy. What should I do with the other two bottles I have?? — 3 years ago

with Tammy

Richard Davies

9.0

Needs lots of airing. Give it at least 3 hours. Body comes out then. — 5 years ago

Thomas Dudley

9.5

Lovely, has held up well. — 24 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.3

Not the deepest nor the most complex wine ever, but it charmes with its lovely purity and extravert personality. Vanillin, sweet oak, white peach, dash of lemon oil. — 5 months ago

Robert Henalt

9.6

Amazing now but feel like it’ll age nicely for many years. Red fruit, slate and hint of chocolate. Smooth tannins. Spectacular! — 5 months ago

Rick Phillips

9.1

Elegant, Hints of Apples and Honeysuckle. Long finish. — 7 months ago

with Sherre and Letha

Bridget Meagher

8.9

Beaujolais style carbonic maceration Josh — 8 months ago

Mark S.

9.1

Deep cherry red. Cassis, blue and black berry. Oak and subtle vanilla. Good concentration. Sweetness M Acidity M Tannin M+ Smooth Silky Joseph Phelps Vineyards Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 19 @3400, xiaduo - Laz, 251016 — 10 months ago

Daniel Dver

9.2

Sherri loves it — 3 years ago

Natalie Corrado Fitz

9.0

2016 was so yummy — 5 years ago