The 2018 Insignia is a standout Napa Cabernet, combining rich blackberry and dark chocolate flavors with refreshing hints of mint, clove, and violet. It’s full-bodied but refined, with super fine tannins and a long, savory finish that makes it classic yet approachable. Made from mostly estate-grown fruit, this one shows both power and elegance, and while it’s gorgeous now, it’ll only get better with a few years of cellaring.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 99
Published: Mar 23, 2021

Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now.

The Wine Advocate | RP 97+
Published: Jul 30, 2021
Drink: 2024-2044

The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes storming out of the glass with powerful notes of blackcurrant cordial, stewed black plums and boysenberries, plus hints of cedar chest, graphite, menthol and wet slate with a fragrant waft of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate already demonstrates remarkable balance at this youthful stage, featuring a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the tightly wound, crunchy black fruits, finishing long and spicy. 17,000 cases were made.

Decanter | D 96
Published: Jul 20, 2021
Drink: 2025-2040

This shows the excellence of the 2018 vintage in Napa made by seasoned winemaker Ashley Hepworth who, this year, celebrates 23 years at Joseph Phelps. The wine opens with a seductive, fruity and generous nose followed by a mass of concentrated blackberry flavours edged with creamy coffee and caramel tones. Instantly mouthwatering then there comes a kick of power with spice and black pepper surrounding the tongues and cheeks. Needs some time to integrate but this is a fine example of Cabernet with freshness, poise and power. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc from estate-grown Napa Valley vineyards: 30% Las Rocas Vineyard (Stags Leap District), 18% Suscol Vineyard (South Napa Valley), 18% Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll District), 14% Home Ranch Vineyard (St. Helena), 13% Banca Dorada Vineyard (Rutherford), and 7% Barboza Vineyard (Stags Leap District). Wines were aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.00%
Body: Full
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Petit Verdot

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: Sep 2, 2021
Drink: 2025-2040

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc.
Deep purple colour. Fully ripe and powerful on the nose with exotic cassis and coconut. The palate is brambly and glossy, with baking spices to the fore. There is depth despite the upfront fruit, which comes from notes of cedar and tobacco. Heady, rich and round, this is opulent without excess. Long and driven on the finish. 

Josephphelps.com

WINEMAKER NOTES
The 2018 Insignia opens with beautifully perfumed floral, dark fruit, anise and cigar box aromatics. A wine of depth, elegance and finesse, the palate is fresh and focused with creamy texture and layers of blackberry, mocha and black cherry. The seamless tannin structure and balance culminate in an uplifting, lengthy finish.

VINTAGE NOTES
The 2018 growing season in Napa Valley was marked by cool, mild weather. The cooler than normal spring delayed budbreak, bloom and veraison compared to the previous five year average. The mild weather patterns in August and September allowed for excellent overall phenological ripening and development of a complex aroma and flavor profile in the finished wines. Outstanding flavor development and color were key indicators of this exceptional vintage.

BLEND AND GRAPE SOURCES
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc from 100% estate grown vineyards: 30% Las Rocas Vineyard (Stags Leap District), 18% Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll District), 18% Suscol Vineyard (Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch Vineyard (St. Helena), 13% Banca Dorada Vineyard (Rutherford), and 7% Barboza Vineyard (Stags Leap District).

APPELLATION
Napa Valley

AGING/COOPERAGE
24 months in 100% new French oak from coopers Taransaud, Dargaud Jaegle, Demptos, Marcel Cadet and Sylvain.