2015 Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley Proprietary Red

About the Wine

Insignia is an icon wine created by Joe Phelps in 1974. Since 2004, Insignia has been 100% estate grown, a blend of the best wine lots from our vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, the Stags Leap District, the Oak Knoll District and South Napa Valley. The 2002 vintage was awarded “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator magazine in 2005 and Robert Parker Wine Advocate has awarded four perfect 100-point scores to the 1991, 1997, 2002 and 2007 vintages of Insignia. 

2015 is a 97pt WA vintage in Napa and this will be a wine for the ages.

Reviews

A barrel sample blended of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec coming from six vineyards and reared in 100% new French oak, the 2015 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine has a very deep inky-purple color and nose of crushed red and black currants, blackberry pie and plums with hints of dried herbs, sandalwood, spice box and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a knock-out core of intense, energetic fruit with chewy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with epic length and freshness. 12,500 cases are expected to be bottled. ~ 97-100pts, WA

The subtlety and brightness to this one. Blackcurrants, fresh mint and sage undertones. Full-bodied, yet so tight and reserved. Linear and very racy with fantastic blackberries, crush stones and lead pencil. Love the finish. This is a wine that needs three to four years of bottle age. Try in 2022. ~96pts, JS