Joseph Phelps Insignia is a modern classic representing the pinnacle of Napa Valley Cabernet. As one of the most iconic Bordeaux-style blend, the bottling is instantly recognizable and cherished amongst wine drinkers. The depth and intensity expressed in the wine is a reflection of the visionary behind the label: Joseph Phelps, a natural leader whose uncompromising commitment to excellence shaped this illustrious estate.

A renaissance man of diverse interests, Joseph Phelps achieved tremendous success in his many pursuits, particularly as a construction engineer, before turning his full attention to wine. From his college years, he had cultivated a passion for wine, which he continued to nurture through immersion in the Napa Valley region. Though a relative newcomer upon entering the Napa wine scene in the 1970s, Phelps sought guidance from respected industry pioneers, such as Joseph Heitz, Robert Mondavi, and Louis Martini, in order to master the craft. Phelps’ enduring pursuit of perfection, a defining aspect of his character, is reflected in his personal relationships, his business acumen, and ultimately, the remarkable wines he created.

As the Joseph Phelps’ flagship offering, Insignia represents the best of each year’s vintage, showcasing a typically high amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (93% in the 2019 release) blended with Bordeaux varieties. The blend is a meticulous selection of the finest cuvées sourced from six plots from a range of Napa Valley terroir. The powerful, ageworthy styles that result require many years of cellaring before the aromatics develop to their full potential.

The 2019 vintage is a fantastic way to experience classic Napa Valley expression. The lengthy growing season allowed grapes to achieve magnificent ripeness and balance, resulting in high quality wines with vivid dark fruit and layered complexity. Lisa Perrotti-Brown noted the aromatic intensity of the 2019 Insignia, remarking on its, “gorgeous perfume of black cherry compote, stewed plums and blackcurrant pastilles…finishing long and layered.”

The 2013 Vintage

In the world of fine wine, a few names are as infamous as Joseph Phelps. The Joseph Phelps Insignia wine is a flagship wine that has garnered immense respect and acclaim from wine enthusiasts and critics alike. A few years ago, the winery released a particularly outstanding vintage, the 2013 Insignia, which took the wine world by storm. To truly appreciate the brilliance of Joseph Phelps 2013 Insignia, one must first understand the legacy of the winery that produces it.

Joseph Phelps Winery: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded by Joseph Phelps in 1973, this Napa Valley estate quickly established itself as a symbol of excellence. By firmly implanting his unwavering philosophy at the core of the winery's foundation, Joeseph established the groundwork for an unwavering pursuit of greatness. In 1974, an idea took root within him – the concept of creating a distinctive blend each year, one that would encapsulate the pinnacle of winemaking from that vintage. Today, Insignia represents the quality of Californian winemaking, a symbol of Joseph Phelps' enduring commitment to excellence. Like all of Phelp’s wines, the Insignia is crafted through meticulous vineyard management, innovation, and commitment to creating wines of the highest quality.

The Joseph Phelps Insignia Wine: A Bordeaux-Style Blend

Joseph Phelps Insignia is a Bordeaux-style blend that typically includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and a touch of Cabernet Franc. The winery has consistently produced this wine with a focus on balance, elegance, and longevity. According to esteemed wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr., the “Insignia remains one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blends.” The 2013 Insignia is often regarded as one of their most exceptional vintages.

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2013 Vintage

2013 was a remarkable year for Napa Valley, marked by excellent growing conditions. The season provided ideal temperatures and a lengthy growing period, resulting in grapes that were perfectly ripened and offered exceptional depth and complexity. These ideal conditions played a crucial role in the creation of the 2013 Insignia.

RP98+ “The 2013 Insignia (their 40th vintage) is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This wine is aged 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels, and the production can vary from just over 10,000 cases to nearly 20,000 cases in a very abundant vintage. There were 12,300 cases produced in 2013, and this vintage of Insignia is certainly going to turn out to be one of the great ones. The wine offers a stunning inky blue/purple color, a gorgeous nose of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, pen ink, graphite, new saddle leather, and barrique. The wine has fabulous concentration, a full-bodied, multi-layered mouthfeel, and a tremendous finish with moderate tannin. It’s interesting to note that the Phelps winemaking staff had been gradually reducing the amount of Merlot in this wine over recent vintages. The 2013 should hit its peak in 5-7 years and last for 35-50.”

"Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years." - Jeb Dunnuck - 2019 Phelps Insignia

Joseph Phelps Insignia Wine Aging Potential

One of the remarkable aspects of Joseph Phelps Insignia wine, and the 2013 vintage is its aging potential. While it is already a remarkable wine upon release, it has the structure and balance to evolve beautifully over many years. The 2013 Insignia can be cellared for at least two decades and will only improve with time.

Invest In Napa Cult History

Joseph Phelps 2013 Insignia is a testament to the winemaking excellence of Joseph Phelps Vineyards and the perfect conditions of Napa Valley in 2013. This wine, with its stunning complexity and aging potential, is a true masterpiece in the world of fine wine. If you can acquire a bottle of this remarkable vintage, you'll be treated to a memorable experience that captures the very essence of Napa Valley's winemaking heritage.