Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia 2022 (750ML)

17 Points, Jancis Robinson, MW, JancisRobinson.com: "Full bottle all of 1,470 g. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Blend from six of their own (many) vineyards with 34% coming from Bianca Dorada in Rutherford, 20% from the Yountville vineyard in Oak Knoll. Picked 9 September to 5 October. Aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels from six different coopers!Rich, ripe and sweet on the nose. Intense! Quite hot initially and lots of tannin with a bit of heat on the end. Not yet ready but it should have a long, satisfying life. (JR) (Drink between 2027-2040)" 09/25

95 Points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter: "Valley—sites that, in a warmer vintage like 2022, helped mitigate the extremes of heat. “The orientation of the vines at 34 degrees north, the cover crop management, and shade from afternoon sun all played a role,” explains Senior Director of Winemaking Ryan Knoth. Optical sorting was also key in removing desiccated or overripe berries. The base blend was assembled early, with Knoth focusing on tannin structure as the framework, aiming to shape the wine in the tradition of previous vintages. The result in 2022 is a beautifully structured and expressive wine. It opens with savoury wild herb notes—spearmint, bay laurel, and high-toned cinnamon spice—lifted by elegant red florals. A core of crunchy red fruit delivers ripe density balanced by energy and tension. Cocoa powder tannins provide grip without heaviness, and the finish is exceptional in length, refined and savoury. This is a poised and polished wine that confidently delivers the goods. (Drink between 2025-2037)" 07/25

96 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "There are 10,400 cases of the impressive 2022 Insignia, a wine that has been entirely estate-grown since 2004. In a vintage impacted by an extended Labor Day heat wave, nearly two-thirds of the production came from the more shaded west side of Napa Valley, with harvest extending from September 7 through October 5. Scents of new suede, baking spices, loam and ripe cherries mingle easily on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, expansive and velvety, becoming just a little bit more open-knit on the lengthy finish. While unlikely to be a long-lived, legendary Insignia, it's still a delicious, forward wine that should drink well for close to 20 years." 10/25