Joseph Phelps Insignia 2005

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Joseph Phelps
Label Name:
 
Insignia
Vintage:
 
2005
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Advocate 96 pts (re-taste/review); Wine Enthusiast 95 (Cellar Selection); Wine & Spirits 94; Wine Spectator 92; Vinous 92. Blend: ~92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot; aged ~24 months in new French oak

Tasting Note
Dense, full-bodied Napa Cabernet blend with blackcurrant, cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, cedar, graphite, violet and camphor. Concentrated and elegant with firm ripe tannins, bright core acidity and a long, savory finish showing espresso and mineral notes.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu, Peking duck, black pepper beef, soy-braised oxtail.

Production Method
Estate-sourced Bordeaux-varietal blend; fermented in stainless steel with extended maceration, then aged ~24 months in new French oak barrels before blending and bottling.

Vineyard Info
Joseph Phelps Vineyards, founded 1973 in St. Helena. Insignia debuted 1974 as the winery’s flagship proprietary Bordeaux-style blend; estate-grown fruit since 2004 and family-owned across generations.