Joseph Phelps Vineyards : Insignia 2022

Characteristics and tasting advice for the 2021 Insignia from Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Tasting

Appearance
Magnificent deep carmine-red hue, captivating the eye with its intensity.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet reveals scents of stewed black fruits and allspice. Rich nuances of cocoa and freshly roasted espresso add depth, while notes of Herbes de Provence and dried tobacco leaf bring a terroir-driven complexity.

Palate
On the palate, the wine reveals flavors of cardamom and nutmeg that complement its fruit-forward profile. The tannins are firm yet elegant, supporting a warm, savory finish that lingers pleasantly. Overall, it demonstrates exceptional balance and promising aging potential.

The character and balance of a great Californian red wine

The estate

Founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has become an essential reference for the great wines of Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast in California. Joseph Phelps, a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry, gradually elevated the family estate to the ranks of the world’s most renowned wineries with its iconic cuvées.

The wine

In 1974, Joseph Phelps had the idea to create a special cuvée each year that embodies the best of the estate, regardless of the grape variety used. He named this wine “Insignia,” thereby allowing the blend to vary by vintage. The 1974 vintage, exceptional for Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap area, accounted for 94% of the final blend. Since 1977, the blend for this great Napa Valley wine has always contained at least 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Over time, Joseph Phelps’s vision evolved, and Insignia became a classic of Californian wines, paying homage to the tradition of Bordeaux blends. For over 40 years, Joseph Phelps’s Insignia has been among the world’s greatest wines. It has been repeatedly lauded by the international press, achieving the top score of 100 points multiple times from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage began with mild weather and early budbreak between late March and early April. Until August, the climate remained sunny and temperate, followed by a heatwave in early September with temperatures well above average in Napa Valley. This warmth brought the white and red grape harvests closer together, which took place between September 9 and October 5. Careful vineyard management and precise fruit selection using optical sorters were crucial to ensuring excellent wine quality.

Winemaking and aging

The wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels (100% new).

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon (94%), Petit Verdot (4%), Cabernet Franc (2%) and Malbec (2%).