2016 Joseph Phelps Insignia

Insignia is an exceptional Bordeaux blend known for its liquid velvet texture, dark fruit flavors, and complex layers that reveal new nuances with each sip.

Producer

Joseph Phelps

Region

Napa Valley, CA

Country

USA

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal Composition

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 3% Cab Franc

Specifications

2016

Vintage

2041

Drink By

ABV

Vinification

Aged 24 months in 100% new French oak

Occasional wine note

This was the 1st next stratosphere price point wine we ever purchased. It was here that we recognized that there is good wine, and then there is epic wine. Insignia is just a special wine that will stand up against any on earth at any price point. Year after year, this is a flagship not just for Joseph Phelps, but really for Bordeaux blends more broadly. It is liquid velvet. Dark fruit and layers of complexity that will have you discovering new flavors and aromas with every sip. This is a special wine.

What experts say about this wine

100

Wine Advocate

Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length.

100

Wilfred Wong

COMMENTARY: No matter how many Cabs or clarets I taste in my lifetime, the Joseph Phelps Insignia always stands at the head of the class. It is one of the wines amongst a handful of others that I place in that proverbial "desert island" category. The 2016 vintage is magnificent. TASTING NOTES: This wine is complete. It's lovely aromas and flavors are impactful and wondrous on the palate. Enjoy its rush of bold, ripe black fruits, and earth with a grilled, well-marbled ribeye topped with minced shallots.

pairing recommendation