Joseph Phelps Insignia 1995

The 1995 Insignia has intense aromas of black cherry, spice, coffee and toasty oak, with well-defined flavors of mocha and blackberry fruit. It is framed by solid tannins, and has a long, lush finish with no bitterness or astringency on the palate.  more

Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Today, it is our belief that Backus has earned its place among the Grand Cru vineyards of the world, and that the current release reflects this with its chocolate, berry and mineral-like flavors, soft tannins and silky, fat mouthfeel. more

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The dark ruby-colored 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon resembles a classic Bordeaux both in aromatics and flavor. A rich bouquet of cinnamon, spice, licorice, graphite and caramel are followed by integrated layers of cherry, currant, fresh cream and balanced, sweet tannin, all of which contribute to a youthful, bright, multi-layered ... more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 1997

97 points Wine Spectator's 1997 California Cabernet Retrospective."Dense, rich and focused, youthful and concentrated, with hints of maturity on the edge of the core currant, mineral and spicy berry flavors. Wonderful vibrancy and intensity for a wine this age, which only bodes well for the future. A classic. Cabernet ... more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2003

The 2003 Insignia (15,000 cases) performed much better this year than last, when I tasted it right after bottling. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and the rest Malbec and Merlot, it offers up attractive aromas of licorice, black currants, espresso roast, and background toasty oak. Full-bodied, ... more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 1996

At this stage in its development, the wine displays aromas of ripe black fruit, spice and hints of new oak, along with intense fruit flavors, sweet tannins and a long, textured finish. more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 1994

In 1994, after a long, cool growing season, 65% of our crop was still hanging on the vine by October 4, when an unexpected thunderstorm swept through the Napa Valley. In its wake, a spell of warm weather dried out the vineyards and caused a rapid rise in grape sugars, ... more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2001

The 2001 Insignia exhibits a dark purple color; ripe, concentrated, blackberry and cherry fruit flavors, and an abundance of ripe, sweet tannins. more

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Due to the ripeness of the 2004 grape harvest, the final blend for the ‘04 Cabernet boasts ultra concentration and lusciousness. The wine is a striking example of the vintage with aromas of soy, graphite and hints of baking spices, as well as generous amounts of Bing cherry, cassis, and ... more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 1993

As I reported last year, the 1993 Insignia is one of northern California's most impressive wines. While this vintage seems to suffer from a slight degree of irregularity, there is no shortage of profound Cabernets. For example, the 1993 Insignia possesses a dense, almost opaque ruby/purple color, as well as ... more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 1999

There are 15,000 cases of the 1999 Insignia, a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. The core of this offering tends to come from Rutherford-grown fruit. The saturated dense purple-colored 1999 offers a tight but promising nose of incense, spice ... more