Red

2019 Insignia marks the first vintage to include fruit from the new Joseph Phelps vineyard named El Venedito, located in the Oak Knoll District, just south of the winery’s Yountville Vineyard. The wine was aged for eighteen months in 48% new oak (58% French, 42% American) and 52% older French and American oak barrels before bottling. A classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with inviting violet, dark fruit, tobacco, subtle baking spice and earthy dried herb aromatics. The palate is filled with expressive black cherry, blackberry and dark plum, hints of spice box and sweet vanilla bean. A focused, concentrated wine with youthful energy and freshness nimbly balanced by supple tannin structure and finesse. 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Malbec from estate and grower vineyards in St. Helena, south Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Stags Leap District and Rutherford in Napa Valley.

Château Tour de Marbuzet is a family-owned estate since 1981 - Château Tour de Marbuzet belongs to Henri Duboscq and his sons, the owners of famous Château Haut-Marbuzet. A tiny vineyard of 8.5 hectares, partly located on the famous « Plateau de Marbuzet », leading to a very small production. The 2018 Tour de Marbuzet has a deep garnet-purple color, slipping effortlessly from the glass with bold notions of blackcurrant cordial, blueberry preserves and stewed plums plus suggestions of menthol, pencil shavings and black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the muscular black fruits, finishing on an earthy note. 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc

Château Saint Pierre, a discreet but excellent Grand Cru Classé of Saint Julien owned by Henri Martin’s family. A fantastic history! Created in the 17th century, Château Saint Pierre was divided and dispersed due to several successions, and then was restored as originally in 1982 by Henri Martin. The second wine, Esprit de Saint Pierre is vinified with the same attention as the one paid to the “Grand Vin”. Only 17 hectares of vineyard Château Saint Pierre have always been the smallest Cru Classé in the appellation which leads to limited quantities. A good ability to age as most Saint Julien wines thanks to Cabernet Sauvignon that is giving its best on that gravels terroir in the heart of the Saint Julien village. A very bright and fresh fruit expression Esprit is produced from the young vines of the Grand Cru Classé vineyard. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon , 22% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc

Intense ruby red, the nose reveals stable, frank aromas of ripe cassis, plum and blackberries, associated to mineral hints and fine notes of vanilla, coffee, grilled orange zest, tobacco and cacao. The mouth shows outstanding balance, great acidity, a firm tannic structure, and exceptional persistence. A brilliant wine, elegant, constant and precise in its character, showing a palate of class, with persistent and refined tannins. Fresh and deep nose, full of blueberries, minty cassis, mussels, cigars, dark spice and roasted sesame oak, which will need a year or two to fully integrate. A medium-to full-bodied Almaviva with supple, silky tannins and a wealth of black and blue fruit that provides a lot of charm now. Voluptuous and flattering on the palate, hallmarked by its tension and taut texture. Very long. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Carmenère, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Drinkable now, but better from 2024.

VINEYARD :

• Varietals: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot.
• Soil: gravel and clay
• Size of the vineyard: 12 ha
• Harvest: partially by hand

WINEMAKING : Vinification: the grapes are brought to Château Beychevelle for an initial sorting Bottling: at the chateau TASTING NOTES : Medium to full bodied with attractive, rich, plummy-berried fruit aromas. Excellent balance, structure and length. Brulières is a stand-out classic Claret rivalling most of the better Bourgeois wines. “Brulières” is the Beychevelle wine coming from the 12 hectares located just south of Saint-Julien. The vineyard belongs to Château Beychevelle. Vineyard management and winemaking is carried out by the same Ch. Beychevelle team head by Mr. Philippe Blanc.