Joseph Phelps Insignia 2018, Red Blend, Napa Valley, USA

Joseph Phelps is one of Napa Valley's most prominent wine producers.  Key grape variety here is Cabernet Sauvignon.  The iconic redwood winery is located just outside of St Helena. The company owns vineyards across Napa, notably in Stags Leap, Oak Knoll, Rutherford and Oakville.

Joseph Phelps' flagship wine is Insignia, which made its debut in 1974. This is a blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller amounts of other Bordeaux varieties.  One of Napa's cult Cabernets, with several vintages awarded 100 points by Robert Parker.

The 2018 Insignia opens with beautifully perfumed floral, dark fruit, anise and cigar box aromatics. A wine of depth, elegance and finesse, the palate is fresh and focused with creamy texture and layers of blackberry, mocha and black cherry. The seamless tannin structure and balance culminate in an uplifting, lengthy finish.  Outstanding flavor development and color were key indicators of this exceptional vintage.

2018 vintage was ranked #42 of top 100 wines of 2021 with 99 pts by James Suckling.  “Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra-fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now.”