Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2009

97 points International Wine Report: "The 2009 Joseph Phelps Insignia has an impressive dark and menacing appearance, offering intoxicating aromas of dark currants, ripe black cherries, anise, herbs, graphite and hints of crushed violets evolve after extended contact with air. Powerful, rich and densely concentrated with wonderful plush layers of intense flavors. The supple finish is long and mouth coating, leaving gorgeous dark fruits, spice and subtle chocolate flavors lingering on and on. A fascinating wine that is approachable now, but there is no reason to rush, it will certainly only get better with time. Composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec from 100% estate-grown Napa Valley vineyards which spent 24 months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling in January, 2012. Best from 2014-2028. (Apr 2013)"

96 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "It is quite clear by now that 2009 is proving to be a standout year for Cabernet, but within the crowd of outstanding wines, this one holds its head just a bit higher. It is, as Insignia always is, a wine of exceptional crafting and polish, and yet in this outing, it seems to have an extra measure of richness and fruity strength, not to mention plenty of grippy structural tannins. There is an almost brooding aspect about it that suggests that it is not yet even close to showing all that it has, and it looks very likely to be among the more age-worthy and longest lived Insignias of recent years. Bravo! (Dec 2012)"

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "This wine continues a long-standing tradition, showing a mastery of the art of blending. It’s made using grapes that are sourced from at least six vineyards scattered from Yountville to St. Helena. Right out of the bottle, it’s a soft, smoothly tannic wine that’s rich in blackberry jam, black currant, blueberry, raspberry, dark chocolate and spice flavors. The wine, which contains small amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec, is so powerful, it easily carries the 100% new French oak. Just gorgeous now, and it should develop bottle complexity for at least the next 10 years. (12/31/12)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "A gorgeous, totally voluptuous wine, the 2009 Insignia bursts from the glass with exuberant blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, cloves and cassis. In 2009, the Insignia is silky and polished, yet there is considerable underlying tannin that needs time to soften. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the huge, structured finish. I imagine the 2009 Insignia will enjoy a broad drinking window. It is striking today, but also clearly has the stuffing to age for many, many years. The 2009 is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. (Dec 2012)"

94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good deep ruby. Rich but youthfully stunted aromas of plum, currant, chocolate, licorice and mint. Then plush, fine-grained and sweet on the palate, with excellent fat and a loamy complexity to the flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate and graphite. This has evolved nicely since I tasted it a year ago from barrel. In a distinctly generous style but structured for a long life in bottle. Finishes with gripping, tongue-saturating tannins and terrific chocolatey length. (May 2012)"