Joseph Phelps Vineyards : Insignia 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for Insignia 2021 from Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Tasting

Nose
A vibrant palette of black cherry, hibiscus, and wild blackberry aromas, enhanced by notes of fresh earth and a delicate hint of Tahitian vanilla.

Palate
On the palate, the black fruits harmonize with nuances of spices and sequoia bark, carried by silky tannins and a lively acidity, offering a beautiful length. The 2021 vintage stands out for its concentration and tannic structure reminiscent of the remarkable 2015.

A great fresh and aromatically rich red wine from California

The property

Founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has become one of the leading references for great wines from the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast in California. A successful entrepreneur in the construction sector, Joseph Phelps gradually elevated the family property to the rank of the most famous wine estates in the world with iconic cuvées.

The wine

It was in 1974 that Joseph Phelps had the idea to create, each year, a separate cuvée 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", in order to be able to vary the grape variety according to the vintage. 1974 was a superb vintage for the cabernet sauvignon from the Stags Leap area, which then entered 94% of the final blend composition. Since 1977, the blend of this great Napa Valley wine has always included at least 50% cabernet sauvignon. Over time, Joseph Phelps' vision has evolved and Insignia has become a classic of California wines, paying tribute to the tradition of Bordeaux blending. For over 40 years now, Insignia from Joseph Phelps now belongs to the elite of the world's greatest wines. Awarded numerous times by the international press, Insignia from Joseph Phelps Vineyards has repeatedly achieved the maximum score of 100 points awarded by Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

The vintage

The year 2021 was cooler than 2020, with late bud break and early flowering. A mild and windy summer allowed for a long maturation, offering high-quality fruits with exceptional color and tannins despite low yields.

Vinification and aging

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

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (93%)
Petit verdot (3%)
Cabernet franc (2%)
Malbec (2%).