Region and Vineyards
The 2019 Joseph Phelps Insignia is a quintessential expression of Napa Valley, built from six estate vineyards strategically located across the region's finest sub-AVAs. Approximately 32% of the fruit comes from Yountville in the Oak Knoll District, known for its cooler mesoclimate that fosters freshness and elegance. The Banca Dorada vineyard in Rutherford contributes 23% of the blend, delivering the hallmark dustiness and depth associated with this famed appellation.
Further nuance is added through 14% from Suscol in the cooler South Napa Valley, and 14% from the Home Ranch in St. Helena, which adds opulence and plush fruit character. The Stags Leap District plays a subtle yet significant role via the Las Rocas (12%) and Barboza (3%) vineyards, bringing fine tannins and a graphite-like minerality. Finally, the new El Venadito vineyard in Oak Knoll, representing 2% of the final cuvée, makes its debut in this vintage, showcasing the estate's continuous evolution.
Winemaking
The 2019 Insignia is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, all sourced from 100% estate-owned vineyards. Each lot was vinified separately before final blending. A hallmark of the Joseph Phelps style, precision and terroir expression are preserved through meticulous vinification, fermentation, and élevage techniques.
Aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, the wine was matured in barrels from five renowned coopers: Taransaud, Dargaud Jaegle, Demptos, Marcel Cadet, and Sylvain. This oak regimen imparts both texture and aromatic complexity without overwhelming the fruit, allowing seamless integration of power, finesse, and age-worthiness. The wine was bottled unfiltered to retain maximum character.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep garnet with violet hues, dense and opaque at the core with brilliant clarity at the rim.
- Aroma: Enticing aromatics of red fruit, crème de cassis, and leafy tobacco are layered with dried rose petals, cedarwood, and a hint of graphite.
- Palate: Intensely layered and vibrant, the palate showcases blackberry, raspberry, and black currant with undertones of dark chocolate, espresso, and finely sculpted tannins. A long, resonant finish carries mineral tension and elegant oak nuances.
Did you know?
The 2019 vintage marks the first inclusion of fruit from El Venadito vineyard, a new Joseph Phelps estate acquisition located just south of the Yountville vineyard. Its cooler location and gravelly soils are set to become a vital element in future Insignia vintages, reflecting the estate's strategic focus on terroir diversity and legacy vineyard development.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Dry-aged ribeye steak: The structure and tannin of the wine beautifully match the marbling and umami richness of aged beef.
- Porcini mushroom risotto: Earthy depth and creamy texture echo the wine's dark fruit and oak tones.
- Duck breast with cherry reduction: The wine's cassis and red fruit character plays off the sweet-savory glaze of the duck.
- Truffle and aged cheddar gougères: A sophisticated appetizer that highlights the wine's aromatic intensity and texture.
