Joseph Phelps Vineyards Napa Valley Insignia 1997

Parker: An inky/plum/purple color is accompanied by a stunning bouquet of violets, charcoal, creme de cassis and a hint of toast. Prodigious when it hits the palate with a full-bodied expansiveness, there is not a hard edge to be found in the 1997, only velvety tannins, compelling depth and fruit intensity, and stunning purity. It is a perfect expression of Napa viticulture and wine that should continue to age effortlessly for two decades or more. (100/100, 2013)

Falstaff: Kräftiges Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, breiterer Ockerrand. Ein Hauch von kandierten Veilchen, schwarze Beerenfrucht, Brombeeren, frische Mandarinen, mineralischer Touch, ungemein facettiertes Bukett. Komplex, saftig, extraktsüß, feine Tannine, bleibt minutenlang haften, das ist ein Benchmark-Wein, in großer Harmonie, seidig, davon hätte man gerne mehr im Keller. (99/100, 2017)

Jeff Leve: Juicy, lush, fat and sweet, with perfectly ripe fruit, density of flavor, silky textures and a blast of blackberry, cherry, spice, smoke and licorice. This is a true wine of pleasure. A wine of this quality with a production level of close to 18,000 cases is truly quite an accomplishment, when you think about it. (97/100, 2015)

Wine Enthusiast: Opens with aromas of black cherry and pencil lead, fruitcake and cookie dough; now it's all one big melange wrapped a bit tight. The balance and immense depth of fruit shine, even in this unevolved state. Standard dark-plum and chocolate notes are rendered with uncommon subtlety here. The finish goes on and on. Needs four to six years, but will last and last. (95/100, 2000)