Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I think my posts on this producers Napa Cabernets with this kind of age have been clear. 2005 not the shinning star vintage of Napa Valley, yet non the less very consistent & punches above its price point. Pretty sure I bought this in the $35ish range. She is smooth with no bittiness on the palate.

The nose shows; used coffee grounds, dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices, black licorice, steeped black tea, sandstone,moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers.

The palate is elegant & still fresh; dark currants, brambly, blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, both plums, melted dark chocolate to pudding, caramel, mocha powder, baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, black licorice, mid to dark berry cola, steeped black tea, dark spice with palate heat, sandstone, moist clays, fresh & dry herbs, dark, fresh & withering flowers framed in violets, very round acidity with balance, evolution, structure/ tension & elegance for minutes and lands on earth & spice.

Still has 7-10 yrs ahead. You could make a case for 94 here. — 14 days ago

David Walser

9.4

Going through some of my older wines and really enjoying them. This bottle of Phelps tasted great! — 5 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

Good but not as epic as I’d hoped. — 6 months ago

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

9.4

What a great refined wine. The 2018 Insignia opens with aromas of dark fruit, florals, and spice. On the palate, blackberry, mocha, and plum come through with a nice texture and tannins. The finish is long, savory, and elegant. Wow! — a month ago

with Daniel and Michael

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 — 2 months ago

leon egozi

9.5

From 3 L- happy bday @Ira Shapiro — 5 months ago

K L

9.1

Sadly let this sit too long. Overly aged but not terrible. Definitely reason notes and fuller body. Would be interested to try again and drink younger… — 8 months ago

with Matt

Abbas Zand

9.0

This wine is dry, light in color for a cab. Aromas of red fruit, cherry and plum, and herbal notes. Medium+ body, medium acidity, high alcohol 14%. Flavors are of cherry and plum, herbs, mint,and lavender. Medium+ finish. Medium tannins.
Nicely balanced wine. Bordeaux blend of 85.5% cab with a little merlot, petit verdot, and petite sirah.
$18 sale price — a month ago

Abbas Zand

9.0

This wine is dry with citrusy aromas. Medium body, medium+ acidity, medium alcohol 13%. On the palate flavors of citrus, pomelo, light grassiness. Flavors are harmonious, with nice balancing acidity.
Nice wine.
$16 sale price — a month ago

Elmars

8.9

On the trip at Hilton San Diego. Mildly acidic, with floral and lime bouqet. — 5 months ago