Joseph Phelps 'Insignia' 2002

The 2002 Insignia is full of black cherry jam and allspice aromas, with luscious notes of boysenberry, ripe plums, toasted oak, and tobacco. The exceptionally elegant mouthfeel coats the palate with layer after layer of tannin, followed by a lengthy, textured finish containing sweet oak notes and a hint of blackberry.

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec primarily from estate-owned vineyards in Stag's Leap and Rutherford, with additional fruit coming from independent growers.

100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2002 boasts an inky/purple color along with notes of graphite, violets, blackberries, creme de cassis and hints of charcoal and barbecue in addition to a full-bodied, multilayered mouthfeel that builds incrementally with great purity, staggering fruit concentration, and a long, velvety, 50+-second finish. This prodigious effort should continue to drink well for 20+ years.

97 Points - Wilfred Wong of Wine.com

I have carried a torch for the Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia since I tasted the 1974 vintage upon its release. Throughout the ensuing years, I have managed to savor most, if not all, of the vintages of this wine. Today the 2002 bottling was magnificent and even more spectacular with the backdrop of the vineyards. This wine shows tremendous life and vitality. Its heroic aromas and flavors of red and black fruits have melded into a singular voice of beauty. 

96 Points - Wine Spectator

Rich flavors fan out, the way you hope for, coating the palate with layers of currant, fresh earth, mineral, cedar, tobacco, mocha, black licorice and espresso. The tannins are firm and the structure built for a longer haul. Very much in its infancy still at age 10, it finds that unusual bridge between dense Napa fruit and a Bordeaux build. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast

This celebrated wine is not mind-blowing right now. It's dry, oaky, tannic and soft. There's a wealth of cassis and moo shu pork flavors, and huge new oak. Yet it holds itself back, teasing but withdrawing into its tannic cloak. Collectors, be reassured it’s worth stashing.