Joseph Phelps Vineyards : Insignia 2019

A complex and delicate Californian wine

The estate

Founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has become one of the leading references for great wines in California's Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast. A successful construction entrepreneur, Joseph Phelps has steadily elevated the family estate and turned it into one of the most famous wineries in the world producing iconic wines.

The wine

In 1974, Joseph Phelps had the idea of making a special vintage each year, embodying the best that the estate could produce vintage after vintage without necessarily being made from the same grape variety. Joseph Phelps decided to name this wine "Insignia", so that the grape variety could be varied according to the vintage. 1974 was a superb vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap area, which made up 94% of the final blend. Since 1977, the blend of this great Napa Valley wine has always included at least 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Over time, Joseph Phelps' vision evolved and Insignia has become a classic California wine, paying tribute to the Bordeaux blending tradition. For more than 40 years today, Joseph Phelps' Insignia has been poised among the elite of the world's greatest wines. Repeatedly awarded by the international press, Joseph Phelps Vineyards' Insignia has repeatedly achieved the top score of 100 points by Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

The vintage

The cool weather and heavy rainfall in winter and spring delayed bud break and flowering in some areas. Although July was colder than in other years, the mild weather in August and September favoured the ripening of the grapes. Comprising a new vineyard (El Venadito) in the blend, this 2019 vintage possesses an alluring maturity and structure.

Vinification and ageing

Aged for 24 months in French oak barrels (100% new).

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (93%)

Petit Verdot (5%)

Malbec (2%).

Insignia 2019 by Joseph Phelps Vineyards: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The nose reveals fruity fragrances (red fruits, crème de cassis) with notes of tobacco leaf and dried rose petals.

Palate

The full and juicy mouthfeel seduces with its fruity aromas (blackberry, raspberry, blackcurrant), its chocolate notes as well as its liveliness, its persistence and its refinement.