Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Insignia Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
The nose is a little shy. It reveals; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, plum, touch of rhubarb & blueberries and strawberries. Vanilla, light cinnamon, clove and soft, dark spice, just slight whiff of green pepper, dark turned earth, limestone and red and dark flowers.
The 2012 vintage generally drank well right away. Now that this 12 has four years in the bottle, it’s very approachable. This said from someone who loves old(er) red wines. The tannins are round grainy. The body lighter than other Insignia’s. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, cherries, dry cranberries, plum, touch of rhubarb & blueberries and strawberries. Vanilla, light cinnamon, clove and soft, dark spice, suede leather, fresh tobacco leaf, steeped tea, dark turned earth limestone, crushed dry rocks with red and dark flowers. The acidity is fresh and lively. The finish is good yet leaner than previous vintages at this stage. It’s fresh and lively. Balanced but, the fruit is bright and really shines. It still a ways to go to get to where I would open one of my bottles. But, somewhat tempting now to open a bottle.
Photos of, JPV Estate vines, visitor center Insignia artwork, shot from a previous member party, and wine in barrel that ferments inside their visitor center.
The nose is a little shy. It reveals; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, plum, touch of rhubarb & blueberries and strawberries. Vanilla, light cinnamon, clove and soft, dark spice, just slight whiff of green pepper, dark turned earth, limestone and red and dark flowers.
The 2012 vintage generally drank well right away. Now that this 12 has four years in the bottle, it’s very approachable. This said from someone who loves old(er) red wines. The tannins are round grainy. The body lighter than other Insignia’s. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, cherries, dry cranberries, plum, touch of rhubarb & blueberries and strawberries. Vanilla, light cinnamon, clove and soft, dark spice, suede leather, fresh tobacco leaf, steeped tea, dark turned earth limestone, crushed dry rocks with red and dark flowers. The acidity is fresh and lively. The finish is good yet leaner than previous vintages at this stage. It’s fresh and lively. Balanced but, the fruit is bright and really shines. It still a ways to go to get to where I would open one of my bottles. But, somewhat tempting now to open a bottle.
Photos of, JPV Estate vines, visitor center Insignia artwork, shot from a previous member party, and wine in barrel that ferments inside their visitor center.
One of the highlights of the day was meeting @David T and his wife for a tasting at Joseph Phelps. I’d never had the privilege of trying Insignia, and we were given the ‘12 and ‘14 to taste today.
This vintage of Insignia had a splash of merlot, compared to the ‘14, which had zero. Gorgeous texture. Very smooth and elegant. Black cherry, cigar box, peppercorn, BlackBerry tart. Every note on the wine seemed put together...nothing was out of place. Gorgeous property and gorgeous wines! FYI, their viognier is awesome!
One of the highlights of the day was meeting @David T and his wife for a tasting at Joseph Phelps. I’d never had the privilege of trying Insignia, and we were given the ‘12 and ‘14 to taste today.
This vintage of Insignia had a splash of merlot, compared to the ‘14, which had zero. Gorgeous texture. Very smooth and elegant. Black cherry, cigar box, peppercorn, BlackBerry tart. Every note on the wine seemed put together...nothing was out of place. Gorgeous property and gorgeous wines! FYI, their viognier is awesome!
Thank you Dov @Dov Eidelman for pulling this beauty out of your cellar and sharing it with us. Opulent nose., strikingly rich and lush. Bravo my friend!
Thank you Dov @Dov Eidelman for pulling this beauty out of your cellar and sharing it with us. Opulent nose., strikingly rich and lush. Bravo my friend!
Dec 22nd, 2017
wonderful notes of blueberries, black plum, blackberry, cassis, cloves, vanilla, baking spices, beautifully structured tannins. Improved significantly after an hour decanting
wonderful notes of blueberries, black plum, blackberry, cassis, cloves, vanilla, baking spices, beautifully structured tannins. Improved significantly after an hour decanting
Apr 10th, 2017
Exotic and expressive, but also very young. Tasted at Vinous map event.
Exotic and expressive, but also very young. Tasted at Vinous map event.
Dec 17th, 2016
Fruits are fresh and run juicy to dry. Black plum, blackberries, dark raspberries, bit of stewed strawberries, tannins are dusty/gritty, leather, spicebox, baking spices, dark powdery minerals, good acidity, balance and finish. Check it again in 8-10 years but good for 20 years.
Fruits are fresh and run juicy to dry. Black plum, blackberries, dark raspberries, bit of stewed strawberries, tannins are dusty/gritty, leather, spicebox, baking spices, dark powdery minerals, good acidity, balance and finish. Check it again in 8-10 years but good for 20 years.
Aug 12th, 2016
Dark fruit and tobacco on the nose with a, not surprising, blackberry on the palate - great way to finish off Father's Day!
Dark fruit and tobacco on the nose with a, not surprising, blackberry on the palate - great way to finish off Father's Day!
Jun 20th, 2016Dark cherries,black licorice nose. Super dark cassis fruit that moves into mid red fruits on the palate. Caramel, dry rose, sweet spice, rich dark wet earth.
Dark cherries,black licorice nose. Super dark cassis fruit that moves into mid red fruits on the palate. Caramel, dry rose, sweet spice, rich dark wet earth.
May 8th, 2016