2019JosephPhelpsInsignia

Sans Joseph Phelps was a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 40 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality. In 1974 Joe Phelps had the idea to make a separate cuvee each year, one that would represent the finest wine he could make from each vintage, and he called it Insignia. While his original intention was to allow Insignia to be any varietal he chose, it become increasingly clear that red Bordeaux varieties â€?particularly Cabernet Sauvignon â€?were ideally suited to Napa Valley and would consistently yield the best wines of the vintage. From 1977 on, Cabernet Sauvignon was never less than 50% of the Insignia blend and gradually became the dominant varietal. Joe’s vision evolved: Insignia would always be a proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. Over forty years later, Insignia is recognized as one of the world’s most iconic wines.A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Magnificent colour featuring an impenetrable pitch black heart and a very deep black dark red hue. Wafting from the glass are seductive scents of ripe blackcurrants, liquorice and black cherries which are complexed by notions of earthy dark chocolate, toasty vanillin cedar and spicy tobacco. Gloriously rich and powerful, every corner of the palate is saturated in decadent blackcurrant, liquorice, dark chocolate and black cherry fruits. Firm yet beautifully integrated tannins provide a muscular feel to what is otherwise an opulent texture. Notions of scorched earth, spicy vanillin cedar and mocha linger on the back half. Concludes exceptionally long with terrific density and richness. Superb.Drink over the next 10-15 years.Alc. 14.5%