Joseph Phelps Insignia Red Blend 2021 - 750ml

98pts James Suckling

A standout vintage for one of California’s most collectible cabernet sauvignons. The color is black throughout, but with a dark garnet rim. Gorgeous aromatics of spearmint, pencil shavings, toasted oak and dark plums, before a silky, fresh but firm texture takes over the palate and dusky blackcurrant, tobacco-leaf, rose-petal and cedar notes emerge and linger. Full-bodied and saturated with rounded, well-integrated tannins that emerge on the lingering finish and keep melting in the glass. 

98pts Jeb Dunnuck

Not yet bottled, the 2021 Insignia has a pure, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style that shows the vintage beautifully. Cassis, blue fruits, graphite, lead pencil shavings, and floral notes all define the bouquet, and it has beautiful tannins, a great mid-palate, and outstanding length.

98pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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.

97pts Vinous

The 2021 Insignia is gorgeous. Dark, fresh and vibrant, the 2021 impresses with its purity of fruit and fine balance. Readers will find an understated Insignia built on finesse and nuance more than size. Its vibrancy is compelling, but the 2021 is a bit quiet today. That should not be an issue in time.

94pts Wine Spectator

Singed alder and sweet tobacco lead off, backed by waves of lush warmed cassis and plum reduction. Chestnut and warm earth notes help drive the finish. Burly and muscular now, but the core of fruit shows inner purity. This will need some time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Insignia captivates the senses with vibrant aromas of black cherry, hibiscus, and wild blackberry, subtly accented by fresh earth and a hint of Tahitian vanilla. On the palate, these dark fruit characteristics are harmonized with warm tones of redwood bark and baking spices. Plush, soft tannins and bright acidity enhance the length, complementing the rich fruit and savory undertones. A compelling tension infuses the wine with focused energy, promising it will express beautifully for years to come.

Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec