• 1998 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (4/24/2005)
  Splash decanted and consumed over 2h
  Dk ruby
  Soft sweet oak, med cassis, soft spice, dk cherries(nose somewhat muted at first and opened up after about 30 min)
  Sharp attack of course tannins, dk cherries, cassis, soft cedar notes, tart/med acidity, med body(tannins seemed to overpower the fruit), smooth finish(30-35 sec) with residual tannins(89pt)
  Overall not very balanced. Maybe effects of drinking at Snowbird elevation but bottom like, this does not compare to prior or subsequent years of Insignia. My take 89pt (89 pts.)

Quote:

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Just over a year ago I pulled the cork on one and immmediately started drinking. I thought it was very good. Like, 92 points, and the best '98 I've had.

a

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Haven't you finished it yet?

• 1998 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (6/5/2005)
  Lots of cassis with rather chunky tannins. Quite a difference from the 97 Insignia we recently opened and not worth the $100 I paid for it. (90 pts.)

• 1998 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/14/2008)
  After an initial taste, I decided against decanting but left the bottle open for an hour. Youthful appearance, pencil box nose, flavor of ripe dark plum. As the evening progressed, the fruit did start to fade, taking a backseat to earthy flavors, tobacco, soy with a slightly thin, bitter finish. However, this problem which bothered me while drinking the wine unaccompanied and during cheese apps, disappeared when the ribeye main hit the plate. Lovely wine and a testament to the quality of Insignia even in a challenging vintage. From magnum. Drink now. (91 pts.)

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