99 points James SucklingBlackberry 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.
Although only part of the vineyards are hillside, the cabernets from Joseph Phelps in 2018 are fantastic. They have a finesse and refinement that I have not encountered from here in years. And the wines show solid structure as well. The Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Insignia 2018 is absolutely stunning and highlights the beauty and clarity of the long growing season of 2018. All the Joseph Phelps cabernets were classic quality. They reminded me of some of the great Joseph Phelps wines from the late 1970s.
97+ Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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. -LPB (July 2021)
95-97 Jeb Dunnuck
Very much in the style of the vintage with its pure, concentrated, yet also elegant and focused style, the 2018 Insignia offers up a vivid purple hue to go with lots of red and blue fruits, menthol, tobacco, graphite, and distinct minerality. With an almost Bordeaux-like style, medium to full-bodied richness, present tannins, and a great finish, it's a beautiful, classic Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this team that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more.
94 Points - Wine Spectator
This is richly layered, with cassis, crushed plum and
blackberry puree flavors moving through slowly but steadily, while warm earth,
ganache and black licorice notes follow along. Picks up a tarry edge on the
finish as the fruit takes an encore. For fans of the muscular, fruit-driven
style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Best from
2022 through 2036. -JM (July 2021)
