Joseph Phelps Insignia 2019

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1973 by Joe Phelps, Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a landmark Napa estate known for pioneering boutique, Bordeaux-style proprietary blends. Their flagship bottling, Insignia, debuted in 1974 and helped define Napa’s modern era—celebrated for its consistency, pedigree, and longevity  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Winemaker Ashley Hepworth, at the helm since 2008, oversees Insignia’s creation. She prioritizes estate-grown fruit, minimal intervention, and patient élevage—selecting only new French oak cooperage to craft deeply structured yet elegant wines  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2019 blend is drawn from seven estate Napa Valley parcels: Yountville, Rutherford, Stags Leap (two sites), St. Helena, Suscol, Las Rocas, and El Venedito. Its cool, moderating season—marked by wet spring and warm late summer—produced concentrated berries that express classic Rutherford structure and Stags Leap finesse  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermented varietally, then aged 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels from Taransaud, Dargaud‑Jaegle, Demptos, Marcel Cadet, and Sylvain before final blending in barrel  .

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet-purple color. Aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, pencil lead, tobacco leaf, and dried rose petals. The palate is dense and juicy—with blackcurrant, raspberry, dark chocolate, mocha, leather, and savory spice—supported by fine-grained tannins and a long, refined finish  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs superbly with grilled ribeye with rosemary butter, venison loin in red-wine jus, wild mushroom risotto, or aged Comté—all enhancing its depth, spice, and structure.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16–18 °C in large crystal Bordeaux glasses. Decant for 1–2 hours to soften tannins and unlock aromatics; revisit after an hour for evolving complexity.

Storage and Aging Potential

While approachable after decanting, the wine will improve until 2040–2045. Cellar in stable conditions (12–14 °C, ~70% humidity) for best long-term development.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

– Cabernet Sauvignon 93%

– Petit Verdot 5%

– Malbec 2% 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

– 14.5% (commonly typical for this vintage)

Scores

• 99 – Jeb Dunnuck 

• 98 – James Suckling 

• 96+ – Antonio Galloni (Vinous) 

• 96 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 

• 94 – Wine Spectator 

• 94 – Wine Enthusiast ()