2022 Joseph Phelps, Insignia

ABOUT THE WINE. First released in 1974, Insignia is Joseph Phelps’ flagship Bordeaux-style blend, drawn from a selection of estate vineyards across Napa Valley. The 2022 vintage began with mild weather and early budbreak, then compressed to a swift harvest after an early-September heat spike. Precision canopy work and optical sorting safeguarded quality. The final blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, sourced from Banca Dorada (Rutherford), Yountville (Oak Knoll), Las Rocas & Barboza (Stags Leap District), Suscol (Napa Valley) and Home Ranch (St. Helena). Aged 24 months in 100% new French oak (Darnajou, Dargaud-Jaeglé, Demptos, Marcel Cadet, Sylvain, Taransaud).. TASTING NOTES. Deep crimson. Dark berry compote and allspice lead, layered with cocoa, fresh espresso, herbes de Provence and cured tobacco. The palate is dense yet poised, showing cardamom and nutmeg around a core of ripe black fruit. Firm but refined tannins carry a long, savoury, warming finish with lingering spice and mineral lift.. FOOD PAIRING. Prime rib or rib-eye, venison with juniper, short rib or brisket, truffle-mushroom ragù, and aged hard cheeses (Comté, Parmigiano Reggiano).. FRIARWOOD SAYS. A classically structured, vineyard-driven Napa Cabernet blend with both immediacy and longevity. Decant 1–2 hours if drinking now; cellar 2026–2042+ for evolving complexity and seamless integration.