The 2013 vintage was almost perfect for Napa Valley, plus the 40th vintage for the winery's flagship Joseph Phelps Insignia. The wine is a deep ruby color with brick highlights. On the nose the wine is intense with fresh ripe blue fruit, complemented by baking spices , cardamom and notes of mocha. On the palate, the wine is expressive, with the primary aromatics already taking on a ripe expression and the tertiary notes of tobacco leaf, humidor and forest undergrowth slowly emerging. The firm but ripe tannins, together with the juicy acidity, predispose this wine to long cellaring. Very long and spicy finish.