Wine Doctrine
2009

Joseph Phelps Insignia

Tasted 21 July 2018 California · Napa Valley

PnP and later decanted for about 2+ hours. Black cherry, cedar, red and black currant, tobacco leaf, and faint earth. Especially tight on the back end. Needs another 2+ years minimum. Hold until after 2020/2021. 92-93+…

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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
1986

Joseph Phelps Insignia

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…

Reviewed 28 March 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
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