Wine Doctrine
1986

Joseph Phelps Insignia

Tasted 28 March 2026 California · Napa Valley

A fair amount of funk on the nose gives way to a mild-mannered and sound delivery of cedar, tobacco, macerated cherry and plum, soil, sherry, and caramel notes. Slightly grainy on the finish, but otherwise a relatively…

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2017

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown Napa Valley

California · Napa Valley

A maybe “ok” Cabernet, with red and black fruit, wood, and some earth. The fruit fades toward the back end and dilutes on the tail, with lingering tannins and a bit of heat on the finish. Lacks…

Reviewed 11 September 2026
2001

Joseph Phelps Insignia

California · Napa Valley

Given that there are already 471 tasting notes on this particular wine, I'll compartmentalize this, now #472, tasting note:

Reviewed 3 October 2021
2015

Joseph Phelps Insignia

California · Napa Valley

Black cherry, currant, unripe plum, and some faint leather on the back end. Notes of vanilla, incense, and cedar struggled to make a showing as well, but were somewhat overpowered by an alcoholic…

Reviewed 24 November 2018
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