Joseph Phelps 'Insignia' 2000

Introduction

Joseph Phelps 'Insignia' 2000 is a premier red blend from Napa Valley, California, primarily sourced from estate-owned vineyards across Rutherford, Stags Leap, Oak Knoll, and St. Helena. Established in 1973, Joseph Phelps Vineyards pioneered the proprietary blend concept in California, with Insignia serving as the state's first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend since its 1974 debut. The winery’s foundational philosophy emphasizes the art of blending, selecting the finest lots from each vintage to represent the pinnacle of quality regardless of varietal designation.

Wine Description

The 2000 vintage presents a mid-weight and elegant sensory profile with concentrated aromas of black fruit, cinnamon, tobacco leaf, and graphite. On the palate, the wine offers a harmonious mix of blackcurrant, cassis, and cherry, balanced by notes of violet, loamy earth, and mineral undertones. It features supple, sweet tannins and a rich, long finish that reveals hints of mocha and spice. The varietal composition for this vintage is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. The wine was aged for 24 to 26 months in 100% new French oak barrels to enhance its complexity and structure. While approachable and mature now, it was originally noted for its firm tannic backbone.

Accolades

• San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - Double Gold

• San Francisco International Wine Competition - Double Gold

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 91 points

• Wine Enthusiast - 88 points