Joseph Phelps Insignia Napa Valley 2001

98 points Jeb Dunnuck: “I loved the 2001 Insignia, and it more than held its own in a serious lineup of great wines. Still ruby/plum-hued, with a killer nose of sweet red and black fruits, spicy oak, flowers, and graphite, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, opulent, yet still remarkably precise mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. It’s very much in the style of this structured vintage, and it has a slight Bordeaux-like vibe. I love it today, yet it has another 10-15 years of prime drinking with a gradual decline thereafter. Drink 2025-2040 (Mar 2025)”

97 points James Suckling: “This shows superb complexity, with fresh and baked black cherry, mint, graphite, mocha and chocolate aromas. Some tobacco leaf. It’s full-bodied and continuous. Supple, ripe and mellow tannins coat the dark fruit almost imperceptibly. Excellent concentration with plenty of life. Drink or hold. (3/13/24)”

96 points Wine Enthusiast: “A triumph. Aged nearly two years in all-new French oak, this massive wine stuns with its superb balance. Manages the elusive challenge of reining in hugely ripe black currant, cherry and oak flavors and sweet tannins while keeping the palate impression soft and alluring, almost feminine. Just gorgeous right out of the bottle, but should develop effortlessly through the decade and beyond. (Oct 2004)”

96 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): “From a magnum, the wine is plush, polished, rich and packed with chocoalte covered blackberries, plum, licorice and ripe boysenberry fruit. Round and lush, this is delicious! (Aug 2014)”

95+ points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): “(from an early harvest, like 2015; the first vintage of a ten-year spell without any Cabernet Franc): Dark red with ruby highlights. The aromas of currant, graphite minerality and dark chocolate convey an inviting warmth. Wonderfully suave, fleshy and sweet, especially for its 13.9% alcohol. Deep, broad flavors of raspberry, sandalwood and soy are energized by a subtle mineral quality and harmonious acidity. Outstanding intensity and tight grain here. Finishes with serious but integrated tannins that spread out horizontally on the very long finish. This wonderfully balanced, still-young wine has clearly benefited from the firming influence of its 8% Petit Verdot element, the highest to this point. Incidentally, this was the last vintage of the Insignia with measurable brettanomyces–but it works for me! Drink: 2018-2032. (Apr 2016)”

95 points Wine & Spirits: “This is a great vintage of Insignia, which means it’s a great Napa cabernet that will last for decades. The balance is amazing, incorporating beautiful red fruit deepening to black cherry and darker berry, a lot of alcohol and a lot of oak holding it structured and strong. The texture is flawless, with tannins adding richness and earthy notes of black Stags Leap District soil. Those tannins seamlessly support the sweet blend of cabernet with a touch of petite verdot (8 percent) and malbec (3) extending the clean berry flavors long after each sip. Dynamic now, complex in ten years’ time. (Feb 2005)”