PRODUCER
Founded in 1973 by the eponymous Joseph Phelps, this winery is one of the true Napa Valley pioneers, and has set a quality benchmark for Napa ever since its inception. Following a period of expansion and diversification, Joseph Phelps is now concentrating purely on Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties – plus Scheurebe! The production has been scaled back to the point where all the fruit comes from estate vineyards, which is something of a rarity in California. This is now a brilliantly focused, dynamic producer that refuses to rest on its laurels.
VINEYARDGrapes for the 2009 Insignia came entirely from estate-owned vineyards in the following sub-districts of Napa Valley: 50% Stags Leap District, 27% St. Helena, 11% South Napa, 6% Oak Knoll, 6% Rutherford. The fruit was harvested over a four-week period, from mid-September to mid- October.
WINERY
The must was given three to five days’ cold soak before fermentation and forty days’ maceration in stainless steel tanks. It was then aged for twenty-four months in new French oak from six different coopers.
TASTE
From a small, high-quality harvest, the 2009 Insignia offers aromas of great freshness and depth, including blackberries, blueberries and spice, with cigar box nuances from the well-integrated oak. The palate shows a deft touch and floral elegance, while possessing real underlying power and length.
PRESS
“A big, generous wine that covers the palate with waves of dark red fruit. Today it is beautifully expressive and opulent yet also well balanced. An explosive finish rounds things out in style. This looks to be a relatively approachable Insignia. Floral, spicy notes round out the finish.” – 93-96 points, The Wine Advocate, December 2011