2023 Insignia

The 2023 Insignia is the first vintage made by Winemaker Ryan Knoth. It captures all the freshness and energy of this cool, late-ripening vintage, along with a new emphasis on vibrancy that is now a focus at Joseph Phelps. Vineyard sites are Yountville, Banca Dorada, Las Rocas, Barboza, Suscol and Home Ranch, plus a dollop of fruit from Backus, an estate site that had not been used in the blend for many years. Malbec was excluded, as it did not ripen ideally. Harvest stretched into November, another anomaly. Most importantly, Knoth reduced time in barrel to 20 months and also lowered toast levels, choices that exalt freshness.

A very good expression of Insignia and the outstanding 2023 vintage, giving classical aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and blackberry with layers of graphite, tobacco leaf, violet, dark cherry and chocolate, all wrapped in freshness and charm. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins, bright acidity and a seamless, layered mouthfeel full of power yet with restraint. Many years ahead in bottle, although delicious now. Drink or hold.

Including a splash of Backus Vineyard (8%), the 2023 Insignia is based on 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. Inky purple-hued, it offers a pure, classic, focused perfume of crème de cassis, melted crayon, lead pencil, violets, and white flower notes. It's full-bodied and has the vintage's pure, focused, incredibly elegant style, with ripe tannins and a great finish. I love everything about this wine, which is pure, balanced, layered, and multi-dimensional. It can be drunk today with incredible pleasure yet should hit maturity in a decade and keep for 30 years thereafter. There are roughly 12,300 cases produced.