2016 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia 2016 1500mL

99 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.

98 POINTS

Virginie Boone - Wine Enthusiast

This is a lenghty, powerful blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Together they coalesce as one seamless, complex experience of black currant, brambly berry and black pepper, with accents of graphite, pencil and cedar. Robust in tannin and youthful energy, it will benefit from aging. Enjoy 2026-2031. Cellar Selection - VB

98 POINTS

Robert Parker - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries and black raspberries with touches of underbrush, cedar chest and bouquet garni plus a hint of grilled meat. Medium to full-bodied, the palate springs forth with exciting energy, offering loads of red and black fruit layers and compelling herbal sparks, featuring a firm, fine-grained backbone and bags of freshness lifting the finish.”-

98 POINTS

James Suckling

Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. Exciting wine. -James Suckling, May 2019

98 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 1991 Insignia is just as impressive as the Montelena. A rich, decadent, voluptuous wine, the 1991 is a phenomenal Insignia. Dark red and blue fruits, mocha and spices are some of the notes that flesh out in this modern-day classic from Phelps. This is such a great example of the more fruit-driven, ripe style in Napa Valley at its best. Even with all of the intensity, all the elements are in the right place. 98

97 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Silky, layered and positively striking, the 2016 is magnificent. In this vintage, Insignia is especially silky, refined and understated, which is unusual for this wine that has often been more bombastic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, as it needs at least several years in bottle to be at its very best, but this is all finesse and class.

96 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a layered and chewy red with lots of polished tannins. Blackcurrants, black olives, and blackberries, too. Full-bodied, very velvety and polished already. Lead pencil undertones. Shows excellent potential. Points: 96-97

96 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

Sweet, racy and perfumed, the 2016 Insignia captivates all the senses with its exceptional balance. In 2016, Insignia is poised and vibrant in the glass, with gorgeous balance of aromatics, fruit and structure. Succulent dark cherry, plum, lavender and menthol are all nicely delineated. Today, the 2016 offers the mid-weight structure of the 2014 with the depth and darker profile of the 2015, a combination that is incredibly appealing. All of that makes the 2016 Insignia one of the highlights in this tasting. Points: 95-98