2014 Joseph Phelps "Insignia" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5L)

Insignia has been a remarkably consistent performer over the years and always manages to find a prominent place at the head of the class, and its high standing is affirmed once again with this outstanding version from 2014. This wine is both rich and remarkably refined with a great sense of depth, and its forceful themes of currants and black cherries are framed with beautifully matched creamy oak and deft touches of sweet spice. As with past efforts, it is uncannily potent and polished at one and the same time, and the one small caveat to its enthusiastic endorsement is that, if involving now, it is years away from reaching its full potential and should be hidden away and its manifold charms ignored until reaching its tenth anniversary. *Three Stars*

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Insignia checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc and was brought up all in new oak. This beauty comes from six estate vineyards and offers a gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, Asian spice and white chocolate. With full-bodied richness, a beautiful, opulent, yet balanced texture, sweet tannin, and a great finish, it's a gorgeous 2014 that's already hard to resist, yet will cruise for two to three decades in the cellar.