Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Insignia Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

9.4116 ratings
9.320 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy, Pungent Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Hard Cheese, Baking Spices, Exotic Spices, Chicken, Herbs, Turkey, Onion, Soft Cheese, Duck, Beans & Peas
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.5

Curiosity finally got the best of me as it was a buddy’s birthday and he wanted to try this 2007. I think this received a three digit score, so whether points matter to you or not, it’s fun to try and get a data point.

Tried a glass right at pop, then drank from the decanter over the next 4-5hrs.

This was quite the rollercoaster. It was big and bruising the first hour, then blossomed in to an extremely smooth and balanced Bordeaux style blend. Dark red and black berry fruits, violets, mocha, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco all dominate the rich mid-palate. It seemed to somewhat shut down after 3+hrs, so either pop and enjoy or hold another three years for this drinking window.

Curiosity finally got the best of me as it was a buddy’s birthday and he wanted to try this 2007. I think this received a three digit score, so whether points matter to you or not, it’s fun to try and get a data point.

Tried a glass right at pop, then drank from the decanter over the next 4-5hrs.

This was quite the rollercoaster. It was big and bruising the first hour, then blossomed in to an extremely smooth and balanced Bordeaux style blend. Dark red and black berry fruits, violets, mocha, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco all dominate the rich mid-palate. It seemed to somewhat shut down after 3+hrs, so either pop and enjoy or hold another three years for this drinking window.

Dec 22nd, 2022
Mike Saviage

Dark purple color, opaque and heavy in the glass with a warm, inviting nose. Notes of mocha and unsweetened chocolate, black cherries and blueberries, some soil and some warm pie fruit. Fruit forward and silky in the mouth. Seductive. Well balanced. Has lot of everything going on, big and bold.

Dark purple color, opaque and heavy in the glass with a warm, inviting nose. Notes of mocha and unsweetened chocolate, black cherries and blueberries, some soil and some warm pie fruit. Fruit forward and silky in the mouth. Seductive. Well balanced. Has lot of everything going on, big and bold.

Oct 31st, 2021
Mike R
9.2

It never completely opened but throughly enjoyed @Bill Bender

It never completely opened but throughly enjoyed @Bill Bender

Jul 19th, 2021
Vino Kaela

Impressive wine! Decanted it for 30 min. Checked it at opening again at 30 min but it opened up around 50 min. Full and complex with strong black fruit, cocoa, and oak spice. This is still a baby in terms of maturity. As always Insignia delivers as true as a Bordeaux first growth would, which was their model from inception.

Impressive wine! Decanted it for 30 min. Checked it at opening again at 30 min but it opened up around 50 min. Full and complex with strong black fruit, cocoa, and oak spice. This is still a baby in terms of maturity. As always Insignia delivers as true as a Bordeaux first growth would, which was their model from inception.

1 person found it helpfulSep 6th, 2015
Nic Z
9.4

Can't get enough of it!

Can't get enough of it!

1 person found it helpfulJun 19th, 2014
Vino Kaela

Power, power, power.... This vintage at seven years old is still a baby. Lots of ripe black fruits complemented with blue and red fruits with a little sweetness from the oak. Can't wait to revisit in another seven years

Power, power, power.... This vintage at seven years old is still a baby. Lots of ripe black fruits complemented with blue and red fruits with a little sweetness from the oak. Can't wait to revisit in another seven years

Aug 29th, 2015
Cameron Hobel

Owner/Winemaker Hobel Wine Works

9.0

From magnum. Tight jeans

From magnum. Tight jeans

May 21st, 2015
Gregory Fulchiero

Out for dinner - wife's 37th birthday

Out for dinner - wife's 37th birthday

Mar 7th, 2014
Pedro Rusk

Wine Educator Kendall Jackson

8.9

Outta mag

Outta mag

May 7th, 2013
Tom Garland

1.5 hour decant(decent fine/cloudy sediment). A young looking exquisite dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: Subdued hints of dark cherry, dusty earth, graphite, smokey vanilla, cigar wrapper, olives. Taste: soft, smooth, creamy wine glides across the palate with black fruit, tar, chocolate, cedar, and a plumy pencil lead medium finish with a little tannic kick......More time? Will the fruit hold? Got a few more bottles to see if the score will improve.

1.5 hour decant(decent fine/cloudy sediment). A young looking exquisite dark purplish garnet color. On the nose: Subdued hints of dark cherry, dusty earth, graphite, smokey vanilla, cigar wrapper, olives. Taste: soft, smooth, creamy wine glides across the palate with black fruit, tar, chocolate, cedar, and a plumy pencil lead medium finish with a little tannic kick......More time? Will the fruit hold? Got a few more bottles to see if the score will improve.

Oct 22nd, 2022