The 2017 Joseph Phelps Insignia is a masterful blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. This Bordeaux-style blend is sourced from vineyards located in the Napa Valley and Sonoma. The grapes are carefully handpicked and sorted before being gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (60% new).
This vintage offers an intense nose of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, mocha and bay leaf aromas. On the palate it has a full body with well structured tannins that give it great depth and complexity. Its flavors are of rich dark fruits such as blackberry, cassis and plum. There are also nuances of baking spices, tobacco leaf and cedar which add to its complexity.
The Joseph Phelps Insignia 2017 has a finish that is long lasting with integrated acidity that provdes structure to this balanced wine. All these elements make this vintage an excellent representation of what can be achieved when blending the best varieties from California's premier wine region – the Napa Valley.
For those who appeciate Bordeaux-style blends or who want to explore what California has to offer, the Joseph Phelps Insignia 2017 should be at the top of your list!
Insignia: What Kind of Wine Is It?
Insignia is a full-bodied, complex red wine blend from Napa Valley. It is made mostly from Cabernet Sauvignon, but also includes Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The Cabernet component of Insignia can range from 75% to 95%, depending on the vintage. Each component of the blend comes from different vineyards in Napa Valley and contributes unique characteristics to the final flavor profile. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, lending it additional richness and complexity. Insignia has aromas of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, aong with hints of woody spices like anise and clove. On the palate it is smooth and well-balanced with layers of ripe fruit flavors such as raspberry, black cherry, cassis, and cocoa complemented by notes of tobacco and leather.
Source: vinography.com
Joseph Phelps: Notable Achievements
Joseph Phelps is a renowned Napa Valley winemaker and entrepreneur who is best kown for pioneering the American Bordeaux-style blend. He founded Joseph Phelps Vineyards in 1973 and debuted Insignia, California's first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend, in 1974. Insignia quickly gained recognition for its complexity and balance, and established the winery as a premier producer in the region. Since then, Joseph Phelps has developed a variety of acclaimed wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and many more. His commitment to innovation has resulted in a number of unique blends that have become highly sought after by wine lovers around the world.
The Quality of Insignia Wine
Yes, Insignia is an excellent wine. It is highly regarded and has earned numerous awards, including four perfect 100-point scores from Robert Parker Wine Advocate. All of the grapes used to make Insignia are grown on the winery's estate in Napa Valley, California. The wine offers a bold and complex flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, oak, herbs, and spice. It pairs well with many foods and is sure to plase any palate.
Conclusion
Joseph Phelps' Insignia 2017 is an excellent example of a modern Bordeaux-style blend. It is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The wine offers an incredibly complex aroma and flavor profile, with notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice, tobacco, and coffee bean. The bold tannins are well-integrated and give the wine a full body that is balanced by a hint of acidity. With its remarkable concentration and structure, this vintage is truy worthy of its status as one of Napa Valley's iconic wines.
