Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa 2000
A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. A funny wine. I’ve not tried the ‘00 for many years - probably at a futures tasting in ‘02, so I was not sure what to expect. It takes some time for the wine to open; maybe 30 minutes or so. The nose is cassis, blackberry jam, currants, leather, tobacco and a dusty quality that I refer to as dusty rose. The attack is big, as you expect from this wine, but, initially, it faded on the mid-palate to … nothing. The finish just disappeared before it arrived. A very soft, round mouthfeel on the attack that dries to dust. Eventually, the finish showed up, but was still short. By the time the finish joined the party, it added mocha to the mix and mint was in the mid-palate, but so was signs of dill. This is a wine the reminds me of an inexperienced lover. Another data point suggesting that Cali Cabs of late don’t age. An unexpectedly significant load of sediment. Standing future bottles up for several days will be necessary. With pan seared aged ribeyes in a mushroom sauce. 05.16.09. Recommended with reservations.
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