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Joseph Phelps Insignia
I had the opportunity to taste the Joseph Phelps Insignia at the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival this past weekend. This truly is one of the very best red wines from Napa Valley. It is a legendary wine with a long history. When you compare to newer wineries such as Harlan, Bond, or Schraeder, the Phelps Insignia represents a value selling for $100 to $400 per bottle less. Please find below an offering on 3 vintages of this superb wine available to us from their RI wholesaler.
--John Callaghan
2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia Proprietary Red Wine |
Joseph Phelps 
A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from |
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Napa, North Coast, California, USA |
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Wine Advocate #198
Dec 2011 |
Antonio Galloni |
97 |
Drink: 2018 - 2038 |
$206 |
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The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Insignia is a towering, statuesque wine bursting with blackberry jam, tar, spices, leather and licorice. It shows fabulous depth and richness backed up by serious, imposing tannins that suggest it has a long life. Ideally, the 2008 should be purchased by those who can be patient; it is not a wine for those seeking immediate gratification. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. |
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$977.94 per 6 bottle case, net bottle $162.99
2009 Joseph Phelps Insignia Proprietary Red Wine |
Joseph Phelps
A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from |
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Napa, North Coast, California, USA |
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Wine Advocate #204
Dec 2012 |
Antonio Galloni |
95 |
Drink: 2017 - 2029 |
-$220 |
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A gorgeous, totally voluptuous wine, the 2009 Insignia bursts from the glass with exuberant blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, cloves and cassis. In 2009, the Insignia is silky and polished, yet there is considerable underlying tannin that needs time to soften. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the huge, structured finish. I imagine the 2009 Insignia will enjoy a broad drinking window. It is striking today, but also clearly has the stuffing to age for many, many years. The 2009 is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. |
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$1,109.94 per 6 bottle case, net bottle $184.99
2010 Joseph Phelps Insignia Proprietary Red Wine |
Joseph Phelps
A Proprietary Blend Dry Red Table wine from |
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Napa, North Coast, California, USA |
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Wine Advocate #204
Dec 2012 |
Antonio Galloni |
(93-95) |
Drink: 2017 - 2030 |
$375 |
The 2010 Insignia is striking. Cool, mineral notes frame a core of blue and black fruit, licorice, spices, smoke, and melted road tar as this stunning wine opens up in the glass. Totally alive in the glass, the 2010 captures the essence of this cold, late harvest. Hints of menthol, violets and crushed rocks all flow through to the incisive, vibrant finish. My sense is that the 2010 is still holding back much of its significant potential. The 2010 is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030.
Winemaker Ashley Hepworth has done a fabulous job with these new releases. While most of the attention at Phelps centers around the flagships Insignia and Backus, over the last few years I have been equally impressed with the straight Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that delivers tremendous bang for the buck. In addition to these wines, I also tasted a few Syrahs from the 1970s. Today, Phelps is known for their Cabernet Sauvignons, but it is also worth remembering Joe Phelps was the first grower to introduce Syrah to the Napa Valley several decades ago. |
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$1,097.94 per 6 bottle case, net bottle $182.99
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