1998 Joseph Phelps "Insignia" Napa Valley Red Wine (1.5L) (Loose Capsule, Top Shoulder Fill)

92 Points and a "Cellar Selection" from Wine Spectator: "Mature, rich and concentrated, this is pleasantly earthy, with mineral-laced currant, dried berry, anise and sage flavors that are complex, balanced and supported by firm, dry tannins. Tasted from magnum.--1998 California Cabernet retrospective." (4/30/2009)

92 Points from Robert Parker: "The 1998 displays a dark garnet color as well as notes of leafy tobacco, underbrush, black cherries and black currants. An elegant, mid-weight Insignia with sweet fruit, ripe tannin and interesting cedar, licorice and spice characteristics, it is fully mature and is unlikely to get any better. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years." (11/29/2013)

91 Points Vinous: "(14% alcohol; includes a relatively high 22% Merlot, mostly from Stag's Leap): Good dark red. Complex scents of redcurrant, plum, dusty herbs and spicebox, plus a note of fennel and a suggestion of salami meatiness. Nicely sweet but tightly wound, even a bit clenched on the back end, with a licorice element providing lift. A distinct minty note serves to brighten the middle palate without overshadowing the wine's plum, spice and cedar flavors. This wine showed a slight canned-vegetable aspect early on but no longer. À point." (04/2016)