Joseph Phelps Insignia Red Blend Wine 750ML

99 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“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 crme 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 cuve, this is legit awesome juice thats going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years. Hats off to winemaker Ashley Hepworth. Drink 2023-2048”

Joseph Phelps Vineyards, established in 1973 in Napa Valley, California, is renowned for its dedication to producing exceptional estate-grown wines. Founded by Joseph Phelps, the winery pioneered Bordeaux-style blends in the United States, with its flagship wine, ‘Insignia,’ first introduced in 1974. Over the decades, ‘Insignia’ has become a benchmark for American Bordeaux-style wines, earning international acclaim.

The 2019 ‘Insignia’ is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, sourced from seven estate vineyards across Napa Valley. This vintage presents a deep garnet-purple hue, reflecting its concentration and richness. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromatics of crme de cassis, red fruits, leafy tobacco, and delicate dried rose petals. The palate is dense and layered, offering juicy flavours of blackberry, raspberry, black currant, and dark chocolate. Its structure is complemented by refined tannins and balanced acidity, resulting in a wine of energy, length, and complexity. Approachable now, the 2019 vintage will continue to develop gracefully over the next two decades.

This exceptional wine pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled ribeye steak, or aged cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar. These pairings enhance the wines depth, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

The 2019 growing season in Napa Valley began with a wet winter and cooler spring, leading to a slightly delayed bud break. Warm summer days followed by cool nights allowed for even ripening and the development of nuanced flavours. Joseph Phelps Vineyards meticulous vineyard management and winemaking practices have culminated in a wine that exemplifies the excellence of this vintage.