95+ 2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia (Napa Valley) 3/23/18 ($150)
88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot 14.5% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. (3.5) Bouquet: Espresso, dense cassis, black ink, pencil shavings and lively cedar. (3.5) Body: Super heavyweight with outstanding tannins and fruit and enough acidity to make it lively. (4.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but more astringency. (3.5) Finish: Even more astringency. (3.0)
Overall: A monolith of a Napa Valley Cabernet with dense fruit that gets sweet with extended air. Also has great structure with loads of big, healthy tannins and enough acidity to make it lively. Espresso, pencil shavings cedar nuances complement the wonderful cassis fruit. This really needs another 7-10+ years to be at its best. If drinking now, decant before lunch to drink at dinner. (17.5)
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