Joseph Phelps, Insignia, Napa Valley 2021
6x75cl £ 1,095 3 cases available In Bond

Region

USA > California > Napa Valley

Producer

Joseph Phelps

Grape

Meritage

Type

Red

Designation

AVA

Vineyard

Insignia

Appellation

Napa Valley

Classification

Score

96

Joseph Phelps, Insignia, Napa Valley
· 2021·

WO score

RP
V
JR

WO score is the average of all critic scores for this wine

Tasting notes

Vinous
Tasted: 06/12/2023
Drink: 2027-2041
Author: Antonio Galloni


The 2021 Insignia is still in barrel, but it is immensely promising. Bright acids and beams of tannin confer freshness. This is a mid-weight vintage of Insignia that is built more on finesse than power. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice and new leather linger.


 

Robert Parker
Tasted: 04/05/2023
Drink: 2025-2045


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.


 

Vinous
Tasted: 16/02/2023
Drink: 2029-2041
Author: Antonio Galloni


The 2021 Insignia is superb. Even as a young barrel sample, the 2021 is super-polished. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, spice, mocha and leather all race across the palate. All the elements are so well balanced. Medium in body and impeccable in its balance, the 2021 is positively stellar. I especially like the energy here.