Lot 144
JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA 2006 (1) WA 94
OPUS ONE 2007 (1) WA 95
SHAFER CABERNET SAUVIGNON HILLSIDE SELECT 1997 (1) WA 96
Lot 144 Details
JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA 2006 (1)
Napa Valley.
u. vts. scraped label.
The 2006 Insignia possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious amounts of cassis, but has not yet developed secondary nuances. It remains a big, full-throttle, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine with 14.5% natural alcohol, impressive purity, sweet tannin, decent acidity and a monolithic personality. Everything needed for a graceful evolution is present, and the 2006 should keep for another two decades. November 2013 WA 94
OPUS ONE 2007 (1)
Napa Valley.
marked label.
Two of the strongest wines ever made at Opus One, the 2007 has terrific black currant fruit, licorice, incense, and subtle smoke, an opulent, even voluptuous mouthfeel, dazzling purity and texture, and a skyscraper-like mouthfeel. This is a sensational Opus One, with sweet tannin and impressive precision and depth. It can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years. December 2009 WA 95
SHAFER CABERNET SAUVIGNON HILLSIDE SELECT 1997 (1)
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley.
scraped & torn label.
It’s a big wine, dense purple in color with some lightening at the edge, plenty of crème de cassis fruit, lead pencil shavings, sweet vanilla and earth. It is very ripe, full-bodied, opulent and voluptuously textured. This is terrific stuff, hedonistic, showing secondary/tertiary nuances in the aromatics and essentially a full resolution of the tannin. This wine also seems to have come into its own and is clearly at its peak of flavor. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. December 2014 WA 96