Joseph Phelps "Insignia" Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2022

James Suckling : 96 Points

(7/8/2025) Deeply brooding, refined aromas of blackcurrants, bitter chocolate, blood plums, dark cherries, cedar and coffee beans. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity that lead into a structured yet silky-smooth and savory finish. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot, 2% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Great to drink young, or will reward after time in bottle. Drink or hold.

Whisky Advocate : 96 Points

(10/2/2025) There are 10,400 cases of the impressive 2022 Insignia, a wine that has been entirely estate-grown since 2004. In a vintage impacted by an extended Labor Day heat wave, nearly two-thirds of the production came from the more shaded west side of Napa Valley, with harvest extending from September 7 through October 5. Scents of new suede, baking spices, loam and ripe cherries mingle easily on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, expansive and velvety, becoming just a little bit more open-knit on the lengthy finish. While unlikely to be a long-lived, legendary Insignia, it's still a delicious, forward wine that should drink well for close to 20 years. Drink Date: 2025 - 2040.

Decanter : 95 Points

(7/10/2025) The result in 2022 is a beautifully structured and expressive wine. It opens with savoury wild herb notes—spearmint, bay laurel, and high-toned cinnamon spice—lifted by elegant red florals. A core of crunchy red fruit delivers ripe density balanced by energy and tension. Cocoa powder tannins provide grip without heaviness, and the finish is exceptional in length, refined and savoury. This is a poised and polished wine that confidently delivers the goods. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2037.