Joseph Phelps Insignia 2021

Available: September 2024

98 Points | JS
“A standout vintage for one of California’s most collectible cabernet sauvignons. The color is black throughout, but with a dark garnet rim. Gorgeous aromatics of spearmint, pencil shavings, toasted oak and dark plums, before a silky, fresh but firm texture takes over the palate and dusky blackcurrant, tobacco-leaf, rose-petal and cedar notes emerge and linger. Full-bodied and saturated with rounded, well-integrated tannins that emerge on the lingering finish and keep melting in the glass. It will drink best from 2028.” - James Suckling

98 Points | RP
“Set to be bottled in January 2024, the 2021 Insignia looks to be another huge success. A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, with 2% each Cabernet Franc and Malbec, all matured in 100% new French oak, winemaker Ashley Hepworth said she thought production would be about 18,000 cases. Waves of cherries, cassis and dark chocolate mark the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, concentrated, rich, velvety, plush, layered and long. The dusty tannins suggest ample structure, yet the wine is plush enough to be almost approachable. It's a truly complete, delicious, seductive wine, yet naysayers may criticize it for lacking a certain amount of individuality or soul.” - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

98 Points | JD
“The flagship 2021 Insignia checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It too is dense purple and has a great perfume of crème de cassis, violets, sandalwood, camphor, and graphite. Beautiful on the palate, this full-bodied, concentrated, structured Insignia has just about perfect balance, lots of tannins, and a great finish. It's going to take 7-8 years of bottle age to integrate its tannins (although these wines always seem to integrate their tannins faster than I expect) and will have 30 years of overall longevity.” - Jeb Dunnuck