2000 Joseph Phelps Insignia

The 2000 is a mid-weight, elegant effort with lots of black currant, violet, earth and forest floor characteristics. Medium-bodied with excellent ripeness and sweet tannins, it is one of the more successful wines I have tasted from this vintage. The wine is close to full maturity and should keep for another 10-12 years. 2000 was an unusual year as it was cool, but at the time, it was not believed to be that much of a challenge in waiting for maturity to come. However, the lower-than-average temperatures continued through much of the summer, with typical weather not returning until September, which was too late to help many producers, especially those with higher mountain vineyards. This vintage is satisfying, but rarely stunning. The 2000 Insignia, a 15,000-case blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, came in at 13.9% alcohol.

(77% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 3% petit verdot, with specks of malbec and cabernet franc) Very good saturated ruby color. Roasted currant, mocha and dark chocolate on the nose. Lush and soft but nicely delineated, with a chewy texture and solid underlying minerality. A large-scaled fruit bomb with a seamless texture. Finishes with building but thoroughly sweet tannins.