Joseph Phelps Vineyards : Insignia 2018

An iconic Napa Valley red wine by Joseph Phelps

The estate

Founded in 1973, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has become one of the leading benchmarks among the fine wines from California's Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast. A successful construction entrepreneur, Joseph Phelps has steadily elevated the family estate, making it one of the most famous wineries in the world and producing an array of iconic wines.

The wine

In 1974, Joseph Phelps had the idea of producing a special vintage each year, a vintage that would embidy the very finest expression that the estate could produce vintage after vintage without necessarily comprising the same grape variety. Joseph Phelps decided to name this wine "Insignia", so that the grape variety could be varied based on 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, Insignia has always had a minimum of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Over time, Joseph Phelps' vision evolved and Insignia has become a classic California wine that pays tribute to the traditional Bordeaux-style blend. For over 40 years, Joseph Phelps’ Insignia has been poised among the elite of the world's finest wines. Repeatedly awarded by the international press, Joseph Phelps Insignia has achieved the top score of 100 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate on numerous occasions.

Vinification and ageing

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

The blend

Joseph Phelps Vineyards' 2018 Insignia comprises a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Petit Verdot (8%), Malbec (3%) and Cabernet Franc (2%).

The grapes are sourced from a mosaic of terroirs, namely Las Rocas Vineyard (Stags Leap District - 29%), Suscol Vineyard (southern Napa - 23%), Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll District - 20%), Barboza Vineyard (Stags Leap District - 18%) and Home Ranch Vineyard (St Helena - 10%).