Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2021

98 points James Suckling: “A standout vintage for one of California’s most collectible cabernet sauvignons. The color is black throughout, but with a dark garnet rim. Gorgeous aromatics of spearmint, pencil shavings, toasted oak and dark plums, before a silky, fresh but firm texture takes over the palate and dusky blackcurrant, tobacco-leaf, rose-petal and cedar notes emerge and linger. Full-bodied and saturated with rounded, well-integrated tannins that emerge on the lingering finish and keep melting in the glass. It will drink best from 2028. (7/18/24)”

96-98 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): “Set to be bottled in January 2024, the 2021 Insignia looks to be another huge success. A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, with 2% each Cabernet Franc and Malbec, all matured in 100% new French oak, winemaker Ashley Hepworth said she thought production would be about 18,000 cases. Waves of cherries, cassis and dark chocolate mark the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, concentrated, rich, velvety, plush, layered and long. The dusty tannins suggest ample structure, yet the wine is plush enough to be almost approachable. It's a truly complete, delicious, seductive wine, yet naysayers may criticize it for lacking a certain amount of individuality or soul. Drink: 2025-2045. (May 2023)"

96-98 points Jeb Dunnuck: “Not yet bottled, the 2021 Insignia has a pure, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style that shows the vintage beautifully. Cassis, blue fruits, graphite, lead pencil shavings, and floral notes all define the bouquet, and it has beautiful tannins, a great mid-palate, and outstanding length. This full-bodied, concentrated, structured Insignia has just about perfect balance, lots of tannins, and a great finish. It's going to take 7-8 years of bottle age to integrate its tannins (although these wines always seem to integrate their tannins faster than I expect) and will have 30 years of overall longevity. (12/26/23)”

95-97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “The 2021 Insignia is superb. Even as a young barrel sample, the 2021 is super-polished. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, spice, mocha and leather all race across the palate. All the elements are so well balanced. Medium in body and impeccable in its balance, the 2021 is positively stellar. I especially like the energy here. Drink: 2027-2041. (Feb 2023)”

96 points Jonathan Cristaldi (Decanter): “The 2021 Joseph Phelps Insignia is well-endowed with structured, soaring tannins balanced by tension and pure fruit character. A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels, it shows a luminescent medium ruby color in the glass. Rich huckleberry fruit is laced with tobacco, sage, pepperonata, and toasty cedarwood notes. Medium- to full-bodied and more expressive on the palate with pure red fruit character, layered with earth and wet river stone minerality, finishing with a hint of salted dark chocolate. The tannins build on the palate, becoming more assertive, and though they are well-integrated, this is such a youthful wine with great energy, power and tension, and is best enjoyed after 2025. Drinking Window: 2025-2050. (9/1/24) ”

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$365 list] Singed alder and sweet tobacco lead off, backed by waves of lush warmed cassis and plum reduction. Chestnut and warm earth notes help drive the finish. Burly and muscular now, but the core of fruit shows inner purity. This will need some time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2028 through 2041. (11/27/24)"