08 Insignia, 07 Saxum (Jane's BD)

It was my wife's birthday and she requested a wine that "was good". While I am not sure what that meant she thought about the wines I normally open, these seemed to satisfy that request. Wines were consumed non-blind with various foods while watching Purdue throw away an NCAA tournament game and other television.

• 2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia 95 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Phelps Insignia is always a great wine. One of the classics from Napa and if perhaps, not a First Growth, then a super second to be sure. Purple in color. The nose is big with cassis, spice, chocolate and cedar. Deep. Big, lush texture. Firm but not over powering tannins. Lush black raspberry fruit and milk chocolate on the palate. Still young, this could use a few more years of cellaring and it has some upside potential to improve. That said, it is delicious right now. A bit too much oak showing but more than enough fruit for it to integrate. Great right now with a bit of air.

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• 2007 Saxum Heart Stone Vineyard 96 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  Probably my least favorite of Justin's amazing 2007 vintage, this was awesome. Inky purple in color. The nose is great with black raspberries, slight grilled meat, leather, black olives and slight bacon fat. On the palate, this is full bodied yet energetic. Still youthful. Light tannins. Lots of black raspberry fruit on the palate. Showing a nice complexity. Good acidity. Pop and pour, this continued to improve. Drinking well now, some upside development to go. Long finish.

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