Joseph Phelps 'Insignia' 2011
Introduction
Insignia 2011 is a landmark Bordeaux-style red blend from Napa Valley, California, produced by Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Established in 1973 by Joe Phelps, the winery was a pioneer in Napa Valley, and Insignia—first released in 1974—holds the distinction of being California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. The winery's philosophy for Insignia is to produce the finest blend possible from each vintage, prioritizing quality through blending rather than a specific varietal designation. This vintage is particularly notable as it was the first to incorporate all five major Bordeaux red varieties into the final blend.
Wine Description
The 2011 Insignia displays a deep ruby and purple colour, reflecting a cooler growing season with a more 'Old World' or European-leaning elegance compared to more concentrated years. The aromatic profile is complex and layered, featuring notes of dark fruit, red and black currants, and blackberry, intertwined with savory elements of tobacco leaf, Herbs de Provence, cardamom, graphite, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively with a surprisingly intense, full bodied mouthfeel. It offers flavours of bright red cherry, espresso, and dark chocolate, supported by supple, integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish marked by spice and minerals. The varietal composition is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec, 2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, this wine is currently in an excellent drinking window and is expected to age gracefully through 2026 and potentially beyond 2030.
Accolades
Wine Enthusiast - 96 points
Vinous - 95 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90-93 points
Decanter - 93 points
James Suckling - 92 points
Food Pairing
The wine's balanced acidity and structured tannins make it a superb companion for rich, savory dishes. Classic pairings include roast leg of lamb with mint pesto, grilled flank steak with caramelized onions, or pan-seared steak with an Insignia garlic butter sauce. It also pairs well with aged cheddar cheese or hearty pasta dishes.
Introduction
Insignia 2011 is a landmark Bordeaux-style red blend from Napa Valley, California, produced by Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Established in 1973 by Joe Phelps, the winery was a pioneer in Napa Valley, and Insignia—first released in 1974—holds the distinction of being California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. The winery's philosophy for Insignia is to produce the finest blend possible from each vintage, prioritizing quality through blending rather than a specific varietal designation. This vintage is particularly notable as it was the first to incorporate all five major Bordeaux red varieties into the final blend.
Wine Description
The 2011 Insignia displays a deep ruby and purple colour, reflecting a cooler growing season with a more 'Old World' or European-leaning elegance compared to more concentrated years. The aromatic profile is complex and layered, featuring notes of dark fruit, red and black currants, and blackberry, intertwined with savory elements of tobacco leaf, Herbs de Provence, cardamom, graphite, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively with a surprisingly intense, full bodied mouthfeel. It offers flavours of bright red cherry, espresso, and dark chocolate, supported by supple, integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish marked by spice and minerals. The varietal composition is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec, 2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, this wine is currently in an excellent drinking window and is expected to age gracefully through 2026 and potentially beyond 2030.
Accolades
Wine Enthusiast - 96 points
Vinous - 95 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90-93 points
Decanter - 93 points
James Suckling - 92 points
Food Pairing
The wine's balanced acidity and structured tannins make it a superb companion for rich, savory dishes. Classic pairings include roast leg of lamb with mint pesto, grilled flank steak with caramelized onions, or pan-seared steak with an Insignia garlic butter sauce. It also pairs well with aged cheddar cheese or hearty pasta dishes.
Original: $409.43
-65%$409.43
$143.30Description
Introduction
Insignia 2011 is a landmark Bordeaux-style red blend from Napa Valley, California, produced by Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Established in 1973 by Joe Phelps, the winery was a pioneer in Napa Valley, and Insignia—first released in 1974—holds the distinction of being California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. The winery's philosophy for Insignia is to produce the finest blend possible from each vintage, prioritizing quality through blending rather than a specific varietal designation. This vintage is particularly notable as it was the first to incorporate all five major Bordeaux red varieties into the final blend.
Wine Description
The 2011 Insignia displays a deep ruby and purple colour, reflecting a cooler growing season with a more 'Old World' or European-leaning elegance compared to more concentrated years. The aromatic profile is complex and layered, featuring notes of dark fruit, red and black currants, and blackberry, intertwined with savory elements of tobacco leaf, Herbs de Provence, cardamom, graphite, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively with a surprisingly intense, full bodied mouthfeel. It offers flavours of bright red cherry, espresso, and dark chocolate, supported by supple, integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish marked by spice and minerals. The varietal composition is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec, 2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, this wine is currently in an excellent drinking window and is expected to age gracefully through 2026 and potentially beyond 2030.
Accolades
Wine Enthusiast - 96 points
Vinous - 95 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90-93 points
Decanter - 93 points
James Suckling - 92 points
Food Pairing
The wine's balanced acidity and structured tannins make it a superb companion for rich, savory dishes. Classic pairings include roast leg of lamb with mint pesto, grilled flank steak with caramelized onions, or pan-seared steak with an Insignia garlic butter sauce. It also pairs well with aged cheddar cheese or hearty pasta dishes.
