Region and Vineyards
The 2015 Insignia is sourced from estate-grown vineyards across Napa Valley, carefully selected to showcase the region’s terroir diversity and complexity. The vineyards contributing to this wine include:
- 21% Las Rocas Vineyard (Stags Leap District) – Known for elegance and refined tannins.
- 20% Home Ranch Vineyard (St. Helena) – Adds rich fruit concentration and power.
- 19% Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll District) – Provides balance and freshness.
- 15% Suscol Vineyard (South Napa Valley) – Enhances structure and depth.
- 15% Barboza Vineyard (Stags Leap District) – Delivers signature dark fruit intensity.
- 10% Banca Dorada Vineyard (Rutherford) – Contributes finesse and age-worthy complexity.
The 2015 growing season was marked by a dry, mild winter and spring, followed by an early and condensed harvest due to September and October heat spikes. The result was low yields of intensely concentrated fruit, producing a wine of exceptional depth and richness.
Winemaking
The 2015 Insignia is a masterful blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec.
Each vineyard block was harvested separately from September 8 to October 5, 2015, ensuring optimal ripeness. The grapes were meticulously hand-sorted, fermented separately, and blended only after extensive evaluation.
The wine was then aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels sourced from prestigious coopers including Taransaud, Dargaud Jaegle, Demptos, Marcel Cadet, and Sylvain. This extended barrel aging imparted rich texture, complexity, and depth while allowing seamless oak integration.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep, inky purple with a nearly opaque core, hinting at its richness and aging potential.
- Aromas: Intensely fragrant, featuring notes of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, and dried violets, layered with nuances of cocoa powder, Madagascar vanilla, and bergamot.
- Palate: Bold and full-bodied, with plush black plum, ripe currant, and chocolate, framed by fine-grained tannins and a silky yet powerful structure. The long, layered finish reveals hints of graphite, espresso, and spice, promising decades of evolution in the bottle.
Did you know?
Joseph Phelps Insignia was the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend made in Napa Valley, debuting in 1974. It remains one of California’s most iconic wines, often earning 95+ points from top critics and consistently ranking among Napa’s finest expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Prime ribeye steak with black truffle butter – Matches the wine’s bold tannins and luxurious fruit profile.
- Braised short ribs with rosemary and thyme – Enhances the wine’s depth and velvety mouthfeel.
- Aged Gouda or Comté cheese – Balances its richness with nutty, savory flavors.
- Dark chocolate and espresso torte – Complements the cocoa and vanilla undertones in the wine.
