Der „Insignia 2023“ ist ein Rotwein aus dem Napa Valley von Joseph Phelps, dessen Herzstück Cabernet Sauvignon bildet und der durch Cabernet Franc und Petit Verdot ergänzt wird. Kühl und lang anhaltend – genau so verlief das Weinjahr 2023 im Napa Valley. Die Reifung setzte sich bis spät in die Saison fort, und die Lese erstreckte sich bis in den November hinein. Die Erntemenge belief sich auf etwa 12.300 Kisten.
Winzer Ryan Knoth ließ den Wein etwa 20 bis 21 Monate in neuen französischen Eichenfässern mit geringer Toastung reifen. Diese Entscheidung ist besonders in kühleren Jahrgängen wichtig, um Eichennoten zu minimieren und die Frucht sowie die Säure zur Geltung kommen zu lassen. Moët Hennessy ist Eigentümer dieses Weinguts.
Der Wein ist derzeit noch jung und straff strukturiert; wird er frühzeitig geöffnet, empfiehlt es sich, ihn etwa 1–2 Stunden lang zu dekantieren. Sein Genusshöhepunkt liegt zwischen 2028 und 2048.
Winespectator (96)
This is impressive from first whiff, as waves of fresh boysenberry, blackberry and morello cherry preserves come spilling forth, inlaid seamlessly with hints of anise, cast iron, sweet tobacco, alder smoke and ink. Well-structured, with both tannic grip and the steady, percolating succulence of the vintage, this moves steadily through the lengthy, authoritative finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling (98)
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.
Vinous (98)
The 2023 Insignia is a total stunner. Fresh, vibrant and explosive, the 2023 possesses mind-blowing purity and exceptional balance to match. Floral and spice notes meld into a core of blue/purplish fruit, licorice, plum and dried flowers, all finely sculpted. This is the first vintage of Insignia to incorporate some fruit from Backus (8%). Winemaker Ryan Knoth also reduced the oak imprint by using lower-impact barrels and shortening time in wood to 20-21 months versus the 24 months that was once the norm. This is a new era for 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.
Jeb Dunnuck (99)
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. Drink 2025-2055.
