2013 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia, Napa Valley, USA (750ml) Sonoma Coast 14% Merlot

14% Merlot

The tannic structure is typical of Chianti Classico

and layered

but it's hard not to drink now

2013 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia, Napa Valley, USA (750ml) Sonoma Coast 14% MerlotTASTING NOTE'S: The 2013 Insignia (their 40th vintage) is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This wine is aged 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels, and the production can vary from just over 10,000 cases to nearly 20,000 cases in a very abundant vintage. There were 12,300 cases produced in 2013, and this vintage of Insignia is certainly going to turn out to be one of the great ones.