Masterful Mastery: The Unparalleled Journey of Joseph Phelps
A wine with impeccable balance!
"The 2014 is a wine that makes its case with its impeccable balance"
- Antonio Galloni - 2014 Phelps Insignia
The winery, located just outside of St. Helena, is one of Napa’s most famous producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate was established in 1973, and their flagship wine, Insignia, was debuted just one year later. This wine is called a “cult Cabernet” by many in the industry, and several of its vintages have earned a 100-point score from Robert Parker. Early on, Insignia had some imported grapes in their blend, but by 2004, the vineyard grew large enough for the wine to be made up of entirely estate grown grapes.
Head winemaker, Ashley Hepworth, started working for the winery in 1999 and was given her current position in 2008. She works to continue Joseph Phelps’ simple ideology of “vintage expression” where there is as little manipulation as possible and to let the grapes speak for themselves. Maybe that is why "impeccable balance" describes the 2014!
in·sig·ni·a: a distinguishing mark or token of something.
Critically Acclaimed
The Wine Advocate documents, "The Insignia cuvee has been one of Napa’s great Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines since its inception in 1974. It has been absolutely brilliant since 1991.
The 2014 Vintage in Napa Valley
The 2014 has a vintage quality of excellent and is ready to drink but recommended to keep for just a couple more years. The Napa Cabernet’s were known to be a bit lighter than previous vintages, but still showcased its usual full-bodied elegance. The Insignia, aged in 100% French Oak for 24 months, presents seamless acidity and grainy tannins on the palate
Don't Miss out on the Distinguishing Insignia! Buy the 2014 Insignia with "impeccable balance"! 99 Point 2018 Insignia and 2003 Mags!
Robert Parker says, "The 2003 is a staggeringly great Insignia that is performing better now than it did early on - always a sign of great winemaking."
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Critical Acclaim
"Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc coming from six vineyards and reared for 24 months in 100% new French oak, the 2014 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed blackberries and fresh blackcurrants with touches of cigar box, sandalwood, dried lavender, beef drippings and mocha plus a waft of wild thyme. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly elegant and fine in the mouth, the lively fruit is well structured by grainy tannins and seamless acid, finishing long and earthy." LPB for WA Oct 2017
Robert Parker ~ 97+ Points
"Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now." JS Mar 2021
James Suckling ~ 99 Points