Wine Doctrine
2012

Joseph Phelps Insignia

Tasted 17 November 2016 California · Napa Valley

Slow O2 for less than 30 minutes and swirled in the glass for another 30 minutes. Solid core fruit with a rounded, plush profile. Much more accessible than I thought it would be. Certainly showed signature plumpness of…

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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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