A great story in Napa wine, Joe Phelps, a Colorado construction contractor turned Napa Valley vintager, purchased a 670-acre cattle ranch in St. Helena in 1973. It was then in 1974 that Phelps had a great harvest and wanted to name his wine something differently. The family came up with the name ‘Insignia’ to signify a wine of exceptional quality.
The first vintage came in 1974 and the inaugural wine was primarily Steltzner Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon along with some Merlot, and was sought to change each year. It uses the finest available lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
The 2023 ‘Insignia’ is a stunning wine that combines 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. It is a dazzling, deep and powerful effort by winemaker Ryan Knoth. Here is my review of the stunning 2023 ‘Insignia’ by Joseph Phelps.
2023 Joseph Phelps ‘Insignia’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (88%) the 2023 ‘Insignia’ is a monumental effort by winemaker Ryan Knoth. It comes off muscular and well-chiseled on the nose wit iron and graphite notes alongside sweet pipe tobacco, boysenberry compote and gorgeous black florals. The palate is deep and concentrated with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of weight and underlying finesse. Just an infant right now, this beauty has decades of life in front of it. Try to resist this stunner for at least another year. Drink 2027-2047- 99