Phelps "Insignia" Napa Valley 1996

Deep red.

Toasted hazelnut, raspberry and a funky earth/medicinal note that reminds me of certain Shiraz.

Intense and lively in the mouth - no sweetness. Compact and dense. Blackcurrant and a bit of mint flare initially, then substantial acid/tannin synergy clamps down. Flavors slip out again on the subtle finish. Wonder where this is going?

Day 3 - Showing some raspberry sweetness in the mouth now. Deep and plush, with mildly chewy tannin. Nice stuff, but lacks any sense of complexity.


$65 on release? 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot