The tasting note for 1999 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia is from Robert Parker and the score is 91 - The 1999 possesses a healthy deep ruby/purple color along with an open-knit, sweet, candied nose of red and black currants, loamy soil, underbrush and forest floor as well as a touch of oak. This medium-bodied, fresh, lively Insignia exhibits tell-tale acids with much of its tannin already resolved. It is an outstanding Insignia, but not one of the estate's legendary efforts. It should keep for ten more years. I was in the minority thinking the 1999 vintage was good rather than special. The weather consisted of a mild summer, with a serious heat spike in July, and a relatively long hang-time that resulted in grapes with high acids as well as powerful tannins. The latter two issues have always concerned me, making me wonder if the fruit would crack and fade away before the tannins melted. A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc (79% from estate vineyards and 21% from growers), 15,000 cases were produced and the alcohol reached 14%.