Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Joseph Phelps |
Label Name: | Insignia |
Vintage: | 2005 |
Country: | United States |
Region: | Napa Valley |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 14.5% |
Grape(s): | Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 4 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 5 |
Length: | 5 |
Aroma Intensity: | 5 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Wine Advocate 96 pts (re-taste/review); Wine Enthusiast 95 (Cellar Selection); Wine & Spirits 94; Wine Spectator 92; Vinous 92. Blend: ~92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot; aged ~24 months in new French oak
Tasting Note
Dense, full-bodied Napa Cabernet blend with blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, cedar, graphite, violet and camphor. Concentrated and elegant with firm ripe tannins, bright core acidity and a long, savory finish showing espresso and mineral notes.
Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu, Peking duck, black pepper beef, soy-braised oxtail.
Production Method
Estate-sourced Bordeaux-varietal blend; fermented in stainless steel with extended maceration, then aged ~24 months in new French oak barrels before blending and bottling.
Vineyard Info
Joseph Phelps Vineyards, founded 1973 in St. Helena. Insignia debuted 1974 as the winery’s flagship proprietary Bordeaux-style blend; estate-grown fruit since 2004 and family-owned across generations.