
The Akita prefecture is situated on the beautiful lush island of Honshu and boasts of beautiful mountain ranges, velvety forests, and crisp blue lakes. This prefecture is a beautiful region that has been labeled as an ideal land for sake production. The Akita prefecture is the fourth sake producing region and is known as a fantastic land filled with high quality rice, cool water, and nice cool weather that aid sake brewing. The cold and frigid winters often bring large amounts of snow. The Akita prefecture’s first record is dated the year 658, but in 733, Akita Castle was built in the region and more roads and buildings were crafted as a result. The region remained mostly separated from Japanese culture and society until around the year 600, due to its location. The prefecture was the home of mostly tribes and hunters. The Akita prefecture is situated far from sprawling metropolitan areas, which is one of the reasons why some believe that sake production only escalated during the 20th century, when technology and transportation expanded. Today, there are roughly 50 breweries in the prefecture. The breweries initially crafted ginjo, but today, the region produces some of the best sakes because of its lush landscapes and climate.
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Joseph Phelps Insignia is made of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec.
The 2019 Insignia opens with heady aromatics of red fruit, crème de cassis, leafy tobacco and delicate dried rose petals. The palate is juicy and dense with expressive layers of blackberry, raspberry, black currant, and dark chocolate. A dynamic wine offering captivating energy, length, complexity and refinement. The 2019 Insignia marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venadito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard.
Review:
Another beautiful wine from this team, the 2019 Insignia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes smaller amounts of Merlot and Malbec, brought up all in new barrels, sourced from seven estate vineyards. It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Seemingly from a cooler year with its freshness, vibrancy, and herbal, floral character on the nose, it's nevertheless full-bodied and beautifully concentrated on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years. Hats off to winemaker Ashley Hepworth.
- Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points