Phelps, Joseph - Insignia 1984

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Tobacco, old wood, spice box, cassis, blackberry and forest floor aromas, mature textures and a spice filled, red berry and cherry finish. This is fully mature. Holding it any longer is pressing your luck."

WINEADVOCATE: "The wine's strikingly dark ruby/plum/purple color belies its nearly 30 years of age. Abundant red and black currant fruit notes intermixed with notions of incense, truffles, underbrush and forest floor emerge from this full-bodied, dense, rich Insignia. It still appears capable of further nuances and development, which is hard to believe given its age. An impressive underlying vibrancy and focus are found in this still young Napa red."

WINESPECTATOR: "Minty nose, gutsy structure, very firm and flavorful, with sharply focused currant and cherry fruit, and tannins tough enough to want at least five years in the cellar, maybe 10. Very distinctive."