Joseph Phelps 'Insignia' 2003

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.

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast

One of the first, if not the first, of the proprietarily named Napa Bordeaux blends, Phelps Insignia has been one of California’s greatest Cabs for decades. This is their 30th anniversary bottling, and it’s worthy of the tradition. Ultrarich and smooth, with a mouthfeel that’s pure velvet, it’s fairly thick in tannins now, suggesting cellaring. But it’s huge in blackberry, dark unsweetened chocolate and spicy plum fruit, and will easily hold for a very long time. 

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2003 has performed well in recent tasting, showing a dense purple color along with notes of creosote, lavender, flowers, creme de cassis, espresso roast, white chocolate and a hint of oak. Still in a young adolescent stage, it should drink nicely for another 15-20 years.