The producer
In 1973, Joe Phelps planted 40 hectares of vineyards on the eastern side of St Helena. Today the Phelps family owns and farms 170 hectares of vine, spread over 8 vineyard parcels, in prime Napa Valley appellations. Before long, in 1974, Joe had the idea to make a super-premium cuvee that would represent the finest which his vineyards could make and as such, that same year, Insignia was born.
The wine
In the beginning the proportion of grape varieties comprising ‘Insignia’ would vary, from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in some vintages and a majority of Merlot in others. But from 1977 onwards, Cabernet Sauvignon was never less than 50% of the Insignia blend and gradually became the dominating variety. Over the years, Insignia has received numerous accolades, including the 2002 vintage being awarded “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator magazine, and 1991, 1997, 2002, and 2007 vintages, all receiving 100 point scores by Robert Parker.
2016 Insignia Release from Joseph Phelps Vineyards
