The blend of the 2008 Insignia, 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, is not terribly different from the 2007. However, I suspect the production will be a lot less given the frost damage in early spring. The color is an inky/purple and the wine shows lots of cassis, blueberry, graphite and floral notes, good acidity, stunning concentration and purity, and a long finish. Another great success for Phelps, the 2007 and 2008 Insignias may be the best back-to-back vintages they have produced since 1995 and 1994. The 2008 has some tannins to resolve whereas the 2007 has already assimilated them. It appears the 2008 will require 2-3 years of bottle age, but should last for three decades. Robert Parker
Severn Goodwin
2021 Independence Day Party
2021 Independence Day Party
9.2Winery Explorers
Our first Insignia experience was tasting the '99. We loved the loamy earth, anise, herb, mocha, etc...we were immediate fans. This '08 on the other hand is nothing of the sort. It's good...lush, full bodied, but has more Port characteristics rather than those Napa-isms we were hoping for. Don't get us wrong, we enjoyed it. Our guess it's in some sort of resting stage right now and needs time. Try to hold this baby if you have it.
Our first Insignia experience was tasting the '99. We loved the loamy earth, anise, herb, mocha, etc...we were immediate fans. This '08 on the other hand is nothing of the sort. It's good...lush, full bodied, but has more Port characteristics rather than those Napa-isms we were hoping for. Don't get us wrong, we enjoyed it. Our guess it's in some sort of resting stage right now and needs time. Try to hold this baby if you have it.
8.7Puerto Rico Wine News
Voluptuous fruit with dusty tannins and minty blackberries. Solid, will get better in 7-10 years.
Voluptuous fruit with dusty tannins and minty blackberries. Solid, will get better in 7-10 years.
9.1Mitzi Inglis
Marketing/Public Relations, Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Perfect wine to celebrate 17 years of marriage to my guy. #josephphelps biased review.
Perfect wine to celebrate 17 years of marriage to my guy. #josephphelps biased review.
9.5Kevin Ortzman
Dried dark red fruit on the nose with a dark chocolate finish - delicious!!
Dried dark red fruit on the nose with a dark chocolate finish - delicious!!
9.5David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
Milk chocolate nose. Milk chocolate palate entry with bright ripe red and black fruits, savory herbs, brambly, dark earth and minerals on the finish. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!!!
Milk chocolate nose. Milk chocolate palate entry with bright ripe red and black fruits, savory herbs, brambly, dark earth and minerals on the finish. Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!!!
9.4Leslie McCain
Amazing wine to share with friends!
Amazing wine to share with friends!
9.8Logan Smyser
Magnum with the family!
Magnum with the family!
9.6Bill Bender
En mag. B&G Christmas party at Table No. 10. Amazing aromatics, tight after an hour in the decanter, opened up well at 1.5. Mocha, cassis, cherry. Very well done but still young.
En mag. B&G Christmas party at Table No. 10. Amazing aromatics, tight after an hour in the decanter, opened up well at 1.5. Mocha, cassis, cherry. Very well done but still young.
9.3Mark Crisler
Brilliant!
Brilliant!
10WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.