Phelps Insignia High Sholder Fill/Label Damage - 1990 (1.5L)

The 1990 Insignia still possesses a healthy dark ruby/purple-tinged color that is just beginning to lighten at the edge. Lots of licorice, black currant, Chinese black tea, cedarwood and spice jump from the glass of this wine. It possesses lovely fruit, medium body and an elegant, pure, expressive mid-palate as well as finish. While fully mature, it should continue to drink well for 10-15 years. A wet spring and troublesome flowering, followed by a beautifully warm summer with an absence of prolonged heat spikes resulted in high quality grapes and an early harvest that was largely completed by the end of September. This blend of 78% estate fruit (primarily from the Banca Dorada and Las Rocas vineyards) and 22% from growers finished at 13% alcohol. The final blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc followed the formula from 1989. Time in barrel was also lengthened to 23 months in new and used French oak. There were 5,725 cases produced.
Robert Parker - 91 points