Insignia Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 2003 Vintage

"With the release of the 1974 Insignia, Joseph Phelps Vineyards became the first California winery to produce a blend of traditional Bordeaux varietals under a proprietary name.  Thirty vintages later, Insignia has remained one of Napa Valley’s most highly acclaimed and sought-after wines. Originally sourced from the best available grower fruit, since the 1990 vintage Insignia has been produced primarily from estate-owned vineyards in the Stag’s Leap District and Rutherford Bench – two of the most desirable sources for Cabernet Sauvignon in the world"....MORE

What the critics are saying: 

Robert Parker - 94 points
The 2003 Insignia (15,000 cases) performed much better this year than last, when I tasted it right after bottling. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and the rest Malbec and Merlot, it offers up attractive aromas of licorice, black currants, espresso roast, and background toasty oak. Full-bodied, opulent, and rich with outstanding depth, purity, and harmony, sweet tannin, and a long finish, it is approachable now, but will easily last for 20 years.

Steven Tanzer - 92 Points
“A blend of 84% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot, 3% merlot and 3% malbec) Full ruby-red. Slightly jammy aromas of blackberry, mocha and dark chocolate. Not especially dense or fleshy but has an attractive juicy quality and good life. Dominated by a flavor of black raspberry. Finishes with big, firm, rather fine tannins. “

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine - 92 Points
“10% Petit Verdot; 3% Merlot; 3% Malbec. Not surprisingly, this year's Insignia again takes its accustomed place near the head of its class. It is a very deep and involving wine with a genuinely complex interplay of ripe cherries, sweet smoke, subtle herbs and notes of dusty soil running its length. As always, it displays hallmark polish and exemplary balance, yet it is never wanting for richness or strength. It deserves to be set aside for at least four or five years and has a very good shot at improving for a decade or more.”

Wine Spectator - 90 Points
“Supple, polished and harmonious, though not in the class of the 2002. Nonetheless, delivers a complex range of rich currant, berry and cherry fruit, cedary oak, hints of anise and sage, and a persistent, lingering finish. Mildly tannic. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. Drink now through 2011. 12,000 cases made.”

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