Joseph Phelps Vineyards : Insignia 2019

A solidly built Cabernet with a very direct persona, as dark currant, warmed fig reduction and blackberry fruit paste are bolted together with licorice root and singed cedar. Features an espresso crema hint on the finish, which keeps this on the dark, muscular side. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2023 through 2038. 17,000 cases made.

Smells ripe and heady on the nose, expressive and seductive. This is rich and bold, it's edging on too much, with lots of wood on show in the slightly heavy texture, liquorice and coffee flavour and fullness in the mouth but there are such alluring and captivating aspects to this wine with striking details of rose, tobacco, blackberry, red berries and dark chocolate shavings on show. I like the fragranced aspects and the energetic acidity that gives lift and a sense of brightness but this is a strong, powerful and muscular wine that will need at least a decade to come around. Given enough time it will be beautiful. Ageing 24 months in 100% new French oak.

93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec. Much like the Cabernet, the Insignia is quintessential Napa Cab. Cassis, almond extract and vanilla on the nose together with burning charcoal and cedar. The palate is brambly and rich, though with a little more freshness that adds a harmony not present in the straight Cabernet. Dense and structured with a firm finish underneath the plentiful, sweet fruit. This should improve with age. (TP)

Another beautiful wine from this team, the 2019 Insignia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes smaller amounts of Merlot and Malbec, brought up all in new barrels, sourced from seven estate vineyards. It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Seemingly from a cooler year with its freshness, vibrancy, and herbal, floral character on the nose, it's nevertheless full-bodied and beautifully concentrated on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years. Hats off to winemaker Ashley Hepworth.

A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec, the 2019 Insignia is deep garnet-purple colored. It needs a shake or two before the glass combusts with atomic scents of crème de cassis, blueberry preserves, and stewed black cherries, followed by subtle suggestions of cedar chest, pencil lead, iron ore, and crushed rocks, plus a waft of cloves. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, the palate delivers compelling poise led by firm, fine-grained tannins and a lively line of freshness, finishing with epic length.