Joseph Phelps Insignia 2019 is a wine that truly captures the essence of Napa Valley. Opening with beautifully perfumed floral, dark fruit, anise, and cigar box aromatics, this wine is a true sensory experience. On the palate, it delivers a depth of flavor and complexity that is unmatched. With a fresh and focused texture, the wine has layers of blackberry, mocha, and black cherry, giving it a creamy yet luxurious feel.
The 2019 growing season in Napa Valley was unique, marked by cool and mild weather that led to delayed budbreak, bloom, and veraison compared to previous years. However, the mild weather patterns in August and September allowed for excellent overall phenological ripening, which resulted in a complex aroma and flavor profile in the finished wines. The outstanding flavor development and color were key indicators of this exceptional vintage.
This wine is a true testament to the quality of Joseph Phelps’ vineyards and winemaking techniques. The seamless tannin structure and balance culminate in an uplifting, lengthy finish, making it the perfect wine for any occasion.
Critic Ratings
Jeb Dunnuck Review – Rated 99:
Another beautiful wine from this team, the 2019 Insignia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes smaller amounts of Merlot and Malbec, brought up all in new barrels, sourced from seven estate vineyards. It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Seemingly from a cooler year with its freshness, vibrancy, and herbal, floral character on the nose, it’s nevertheless full-bodied and beautifully concentrated on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years. Hats off to winemaker Ashley Hepworth.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Review – Rated 98:
The 2019 Insignia is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. The vineyard sources this year include: 32% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 23% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 14% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 3% Barboza (Stags Leap District) and 2% El Venadito (Oak Knoll District). The wine is aging for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling to unlock a gorgeous perfume of black cherry compote, stewed plums and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of bay leaves, red roses, underbrush and pencil lead plus a hint of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit preserves layers with finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and layered.
Wine Enthusiast Review – Rated 94
Given two years in new French oak, this vintage blends 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Brooding black fruit is complemented by classic notions of cigar box, tobacco, iron and clove, with a leather texture that’s still got time to unfurl. Dense and chewy tannins provide a powerful imprint of intensity and ripeness matched in toasted oak. Enjoy best from 2029–2039.
Wine Spectator Review – Rated 94:
A solidly built Cabernet with a very direct persona, as dark currant, warmed fig reduction and blackberry fruit paste are bolted together with licorice root and singed cedar. Features an espresso crema hint on the finish, which keeps this on the dark, muscular side. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2023 through 2038.
