I was reading about Joseph Phelps Vineyards releasing their 2023 Insignia. It’s their flagship blend, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc in the mix. Grown across several estate vineyards in Napa — Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap District.
The winery says the vintage showed warm, steady conditions, with harvest starting in late August and wrapping by mid-October. No talk of fires or floods this time — just dry sun and slow ripening.
They’ve been making Insignia since 1974. First vintage was 1973, but they didn’t bottle it under that name until ’74. Funny how a wine gets famous for being consistent, not for being clever.
