2002 Joseph Phelps "Insignia" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

Full red-ruby. Slightly roasted, high-toned black raspberry nose show a slightly pruney ripeness (the VA here was a relatively elevated 0.85). Creamy, plush and sweet, displaying excellent breadth and still-considerable baby fat. This was quite flashy on release but now seems to be in an adolescent phase. Big, building tannins saturate the tongue and front teeth. Winemaker Hepworth described it as 'like a teenager, and without the suavity of tannins of the 2001.' I'd leave it alone for at least a couple more years, at which point it may well merit a higher score. 92+ (ST)