Phelps 2021 Insignia Estate Grown Red Wine from Napa Valley

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The 2021 Insignia from Joseph Phelps Vineyards offers a compelling blend of Napa power and elegance. With dense dark fruit, polished structure and serious age-potential, this vintage stands as one of the more refined entries in the Insignia line—ideal for both deep-dive collectors and ambitious wine lovers. Origins & Craftsmanship This flagship wine is produced entirely from estate-grown vineyards across Napa Valley, and the 2021 blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon (~93%), with smaller portions of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The wine is matured exclusively in 100% new French oak barrels, allowing the vineyard’s fruit to integrate with the elegance of oak. The winemaking goal is consistent: to express vintage character while retaining the signature style of Insignia—structured, refined and age-worthy. Critics Reviews Jeb Dunnuck (98 points) praised this vintage for its “rocking nose of blackcurrants, cedar pencil, chocolaty oak and graphite… deep, full-bodied… dense, polished yet building tannins.” James Suckling (98 points) described it as “black throughout with dark garnet rim… gorgeous aromatics of spearmint, pencil shavings, toasted oak and dark plums, followed by dusky blackcurrant, tobacco-leaf and cedar on the palate.” Antonio Galloni (Vinous, 97 points) noted: “Dark, fresh and vibrant, the 2021 impresses with purity of fruit and fine balance… understated in style, built more on finesse than size.” Decanter (96 points) stated: “Well-endowed with structured, soaring tannins balanced by tension and pure fruit character… a Napa icon in the making.” Tasting Profile Nose: Deep garnet colour; aromas of black currant, black cherry compote and dark plum mingle with cedar, pencil shavings, graphite and forest floor. Palate: Medium-to-full body with black fruit layers—blackberry, currant—joined by mocha, tobacco leaf, warm cedar and subtle spice. The tannins are firm but fine-grained and the acidity gives lift. Finish: Long and refined; echoes of dark fruit, cedar bark, dark chocolate and a hint of menthol linger with precision and poise. Quick Overview ABV / Proof Origin / Region Production / Blend Aging / Maturation Aromas & Flavors Style / Identity ~14.5% ABV Napa Valley AVA, California, USA Approx. 93% Cabernet Sauvignon + Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, Malbec 100% new French oak Black currant, dark cherry, cedar, pencil lead, dark chocolate Napa’s flagship blend—rich, structured, age-worthy

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