Joseph Phelps Insignia 2021

Winery Background and History

Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973 by Joe Phelps, who purchased a 600‑acre ranch in St. Helena and began winemaking in 1974. Their flagship, Insignia, debuted in 1974 as one of California’s first Bordeaux‑style proprietary blends and quickly earned acclaim for its consistency, elegance, and age-worthiness  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Winemaker Ashley Hepworth, at the helm since 2008, leads the production of Insignia. She champions estate-grown fruit, minimal intervention, and extended aging in 100% new French oak to craft wines of depth and longevity  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2021 Insignia draws from six Napa Valley estate vineyards: 28% Yountville, 27% Rutherford, 19% Stags Leap, 6% Stags Leap, 11% St. Helena, and 9% Suscol. The vintage was marked by a cool, wind-influenced growing season that produced small, deeply concentrated berries  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Each varietal was fermented separately and aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The final blend was elevated in barrel before bottling to enhance integration and structure  .

Tasting Notes

Deep black-garnet in color. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, hibiscus, cedar, pencil lead, and vanilla. On the palate: ripe cassis, tobacco‑leaf, rose petal, mocha, graphite, and savory sage. Plush, silky tannins provide lift and tension, finishing long with mint, dark chocolate, and redwood bark  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pair with grilled ribeye topped with rosemary butter, venison loin with red-wine reduction, porcini mushroom lasagna, or smoked brisket. Rich, savory dishes and aged cheeses like Comté complement its depth.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16–18 °C in large Bordeaux-style crystal glasses. Decant thoroughly (1–2 hours) to soften tannins and reveal the wine’s layered aromatics  .

Storage and Aging Potential

While enjoyable now with proper decanting, the 2021 Insignia will evolve through 2045. Store bottles in a cool (12–14 °C), humid, and dark environment for optimal development.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

– Cabernet Sauvignon 93%

– Petit Verdot 3%

– Cabernet Franc 2%

– Malbec 2% 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5%

Scores

• 99 – Jeb Dunnuck 

• 98 – James Suckling 

• 97 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous) 

• 96 – Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate) 

• 94 – Wine Spectator