2003 Phelps, Joseph - Insignia
USA - California - Napa - Napa Valley
Bordeaux Blend
Still
Still
Out of Stock
We will notify you by email when this wine becomes available.
Producer Notes
Since its founding in 1972, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has been on the cutting edge of many California wine developments. From the Bordeaux-blend Insignia, first made in 1974 and Wine Spectator's wine of the year for the 2002 vintage; to the resurrection of California Syrah, also first produced in 1974, the winery has earned critical acclaim for its many estate-grown wines. In 1999, Phelps embarked... More »
Professional Reviews
- Source
- International Wine Cellar
- Issue
- Issue 126
($175; a blend of 84% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot, 3% merlot and 3% malbec) Full ruby-red. Slightly jammy aromas of blackberry, mocha and dark chocolate. Not especially dense or fleshy but has an attractive juicy quality and good life. Dominated by a flavor of black raspberry. Finishes with big, firm, rather fine tannins.
- Source
- Wine Advocate
- Issue
- 168
The 2003 Insignia (15,000 cases) performed much better this year than last, when I tasted it right after bottling. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and the rest Malbec and Merlot, it offers up attractive aromas of licorice, black currants, espresso roast, and background toasty oak. Full-bodied, opulent, and rich with outstanding depth, purity, and harmony, sweet tannin, and a long finish, it is approachable now, but will easily last for 20 years.
- Source
- Wine Spectator
Supple, polished and harmonious, though not in the class of the 2002. Nonetheless, delivers a complex range of rich currant, berry and cherry fruit, cedary oak, hints of anise and sage, and a persistent, lingering finish. Mildly tannic. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. 12,000 cases made.
Community Tasting Notes
- Author
- Bud2123
- Site / Blog
- Trust Rating
- 97%
- Tasted On
- 12/06/2009
- Author
- Rick H.
- Site / Blog
- Trust Rating
- 94%
- Tasted On
- 11/08/2009
- Author
- tommy
- Site / Blog
- Trust Rating
- 95%
- Tasted On
- 10/16/2009
- Author
- gd10102
- Site / Blog
- Trust Rating
- 95%
- Tasted On
- 09/30/2009
- Author
- Jeffrey M989
- Site / Blog
- Trust Rating
- 98%
- Tasted On
- 10/11/2008
A big wine with good fruit and nice balance.
- Author
- Brad Coelho
- Site / Blog
- Unidentified Appellation
- Trust Rating
- 98%
- Tasted On
- 06/18/2008
- Drink Dates
- 04/01/2008
The ?03 vintage produced a bit more elegant, streamlined version of the flagship wine for Phelps, especially in relation to the ?02 and ?04 blockbuster bookends of the wine. Lifted, classic notes of lead pencil shavings, dried flowers, cassis, cocoa and black currant arise from the glass in a classy, if unadorned fashion. The wine is medium bodied, layered and moderately dense in the mouth, w/ well proportioned earthy elements intermingling nicely within the flavors of high class toast. While she may tack on a bit more weight in the cellar, this vintage appears to be a leaner, more elegant rendition of Insignia that should be slated for earlier consumption
Contact a Wine Specialist 
1.5L - $259.95
Other years available
2002 - $189.95 (750ml)
1993 - $259.95 (1.5L)