1994 Joseph Phelps "Insigina" Napa Valley Red Wine

98 Points from Robert Parker: "The 1994 boasts an inky/purple color along with a glorious nose of black raspberries, blackberries and black currants that is still somewhat primary despite nearly 18 years in bottle. The Phelps team kept this cuvee in 100% new French oak for 28 months. Its magnificent structure, intensity and purity of fruit, ripeness, balance combined with authoritative power and the magnetic appeal of this full-bodied, Bordeaux-styled wine are extraordinary. This amazing effort is just coming into its best years, and should drink well for at least another 15-20 years.

The 1994 vintage has long been considered to be one of Napa Valley's finest years over the last three decades. A bone-chilling spring, a cooler than normal early summer, and a gentle, increasingly warm August through early October resulted in small berries that resulted in concentrated, pure wines. There were 8,000 cases of the 1994 Insignia made from a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc (69% from estate vineyards and 31% from growers). Still in its adolescence, the remarkable Insignia is one of many stunning Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines produced in Napa in 1994." (11/29/13)

93 Points, #3 On The Top 100 Wines of 1997 and a "Cellar Selection" designation from Wine Spectator: "A tremendous wine that combines dark, rich, deeply concentrated flavors with a sense of grace and finesse. This is still a bold, potent youngster, with a wealth of currant, mocha, anise and sage flavors. The tannins are big, too, but they're ripe and they let the rich flavors push through.--California Cabernet '74/'84/'94 retrospective. Drink now through 2010. 8,000 cases made." (11/15/2004)

93 Points Vinous: "(100% new French oak from here on; from a harvest featuring relatively small berries): Healthy bright, dark red. Captivating aromas of raspberry, tobacco, truffle and smoke are distinctly darker than those of the 1990. Wonderfully suave, fine-grained wine with superb intensity and retention of dark fruit flavors. Harmonious acidity and a firm tannic spine give this wine noteworthy thrust and extend the finish. The wine's 10% Merlot component was partly from the cooler Hudson and Hyde vineyards in Carneros. This impeccably balanced wine remains remarkably fresh." (3/2016)