Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2018

99 points James Suckling: "Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now. (8/2/21)"

99 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby, purple reflections. Fine, somewhat restrained wild berry confit, delicate raspberry and cherry aromas, fresh orange zest, attractive bouquet, a hint of cassis in the background. Complex, full-bodied, highly elegant, sweet cherry fruit, integrated tannins, fine nougat on the finish, great length, mineral in the finish, certain ageing potential for decades. (4/26/22)"

98 points Jeb Dunnuck: "[$325 list] The 2018 Insignia checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and the rest Cabernet Franc, from a mix of vineyards (mostly in the southern part of the valley) aged two years in new French oak. It has an incredible bouquet of cassis, currants, dark chocolate, lead pencil, and tobacco, and while it's unquestionably Napa, it has a regal, structured, almost Bordeaux-like vibe as well. Full-bodied, perfectly balanced, and layered on the palate, with silky tannins, this quintessential Insignia is up with the finest vintages of this cuvée I've tasted and is in the same realm as the 1997 (the first vintage I bought for my personal cellar), 2001, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. (12/21/21)"

98 points Virginie Boone (Wine Enthusiast): "This impressive blend combines 87% Cabernet Sauvignon with 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, aging the whole for 24 months in 100% new French oak. Elements of cedar, sage, dried herb and underbrush meet rich red fruit and chalky tannins, with a dusting of cocoa throughout. Enjoy from 2028-2038. (Dec 2021)"

98 points International Wine Report: "The 2018 Insignia is a fabulous showing in this vintage. Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec, which all spent 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. It begins with a complex aromatic profile of ripe black currants, blackberries as well as blueberries that are joined by violets, graphite, mocha, mint, cigar box, herbs and gravel nuances that all take shape. This continues to impress with its gorgeous full-bodied texture that is structured with beautifully polished tannins resulting in a lovely finessed mouthfeel as it works its way across the palate. It goes on to display outstanding overall balance and concentration, as layers of ripe dark fruits, mocha and spices continue to build up to the long supple finish. The 2018 is already extremely impressive, however this wine clearly has the potential, and track record to age marvelously for decades. Drink: 2023-2050. (May 2021)"

97+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes storming out of the glass with powerful notes of blackcurrant cordial, stewed black plums and boysenberries, plus hints of cedar chest, graphite, menthol and wet slate with a fragrant waft of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate already demonstrates remarkable balance at this youthful stage, featuring a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the tightly wound, crunchy black fruits, finishing long and spicy. Drink: 2024-2044. (Jul 2021)"

97 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc). Joseph Phelps is practically the inventor of the Bordeaux blend in California, and the team has done a wonderful job with the Insignia in 2018. Clarice Turner, who began as a trainee 23 years ago, is now director, with Ashley Hepworth winemaker, and she knows exactly how to get both juice, tension and power out of Cabernet Sauvignon, while still maintaining nuance. A ton of interest and spice. Great persistence through the palate, soft black pepper, rosebud and oyster shell on the finish adds a fragrant, saline twist. I am always a fan of this wine, and love that it showcases the history and quality of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2023-2040. (7/22/21)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Insignia is racy and exuberant to the core. Soft and plush, with fabulous balance, the 2018 is such a showy wine today. Blackberry jam, leather, mocha, cloves and menthol build effortlessly. The 2018 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, but it also clearly has the potential to age. It is a total charmer today. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jan 2022)"

96 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "This shows the excellence of the 2018 vintage in Napa made by seasoned winemaker Ashley Hepworth who, this year, celebrates 23 years at Joseph Phelps. The wine opens with a seductive, fruity and generous nose followed by a mass of concentrated blackberry flavours edged with creamy coffee and caramel tones. Instantly mouthwatering then there comes a kick of power with spice and black pepper surrounding the tongues and cheeks. Needs some time to integrate but this is a fine example of Cabernet with freshness, poise and power. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc from estate-grown Napa Valley vineyards: 30% Las Rocas Vineyard (Stags Leap District), 18% Suscol Vineyard (South Napa Valley), 18% Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll District), 14% Home Ranch Vineyard (St. Helena), 13% Banca Dorada Vineyard (Rutherford), and 7% Barboza Vineyard (Stags Leap District). Wines were aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. Drink: 2025-2040. (7/20/21)"