Joseph Phelps Insignia 2006

- 94 Punkte Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE: "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. This is a 16,900-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot (100% estate fruit) from a vintage that experienced a slowly developing growing season as a result of cool weather and abundant winter rain. The 2006 vintage will be remembered for a huge, 10-day, 100+ degree Fahrenheit heat spike at the end of July, which was unsettling to both growers and vineyards."

- 94 Punkte und "Cellar Selection" WINE ENTHUSIAST: "There are $15 Cabs that are better to drink now. This is so strong and fruity, so oaky, so tannic, it just overwhelms the palate in its extreme youth. Just massive in blackberries, black currants, coffee, cocoa, dried herbs and 100% new, smoky-sweet French. Ridiculous to open it anytime soon. Desperately needs time in the bottle, and the point score reflects potential. Try 2012–2018."

- VINOUS Antonio Galloni: "(a late year in which Phelps started harvested on October 7): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of cassis, briary blackberry, mocha and black tea, plus a rocky, flinty minerality unlike any previous vintage of Insignia. Silky-sweet and fine-grained but with noteworthy energy to its dark berry, tar and mineral flavors. Finishes with huge tannins and slowly building length. This brooding, closed wine still needs time to absorb more of its tannins."

- 95 Punkte INTERNATIONAL WINEREPORT: "Dark, ripe, rich, deeply concentrated, with elegant but poweful layers of bold currant, black cherry, spice, floral, anise and toasty oak, finishing with a long, complex finish. Top Shelf. (Drink 2011 - 2025)"