Joseph Phelps 2003 Insignia - Wine Review
Tasting notes and reviews of Joseph Phelps Vineyards wines
 In
the spring of 1978, Joseph Phelps Vineyards released its 1974 Insignia,
becoming the first California winery to produce a blend of traditional
Bordeaux varietals under a proprietary name. The Napa Valley winery released the 2003
Insignia, marking the 30th vintage of this highly acclaimed
series.
The
wine — 84 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Petit Verdot,
3 percent Merlot and 3 percent Malbec — was bottled and blended
in February 2006, after being fermented in stainless steel tanks
and aged 24 months in new French oak barrels. An impressive 87 percent
of the fruit came from estate-owned vineyards in Stag’s Leap,
Rutherford and St. Helena, with the rest from independent growers.
(Prior to the 1990 vintage, Insignia was sourced from the best available
grower fruit.)
The
2003 Insignia is layered with aromas of blackberries, black cherries,
anise, dark chocolate and coffee, and has an extremely long finish.
It should pair well with steak, beef tenderloin and lamb loin.
Joseph
Phelps founded his eponymous winery in Spring Valley, east of St.
Helena, in 1972, and still lives on the property. The Vineyard produces
from 65,000 to 80,000 cases annually with 90 percent of the wine
produced from estate-owned vineyards.
by Jeff Hoyt
 Other Meritages we've tasted
Check out our
guide to California
For more information,
visit www.jpvwines.com
More Joseph Phelps wine tasting notes and reviews:
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2005 Insignia
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2004 Insignia
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2007 Eisrébe (Featured on Top 10 Wines for Thanksgiving 2008)
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2007 Sauvignon Blanc
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2006 Sauvignon Blanc
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2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
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2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
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2006 Viognier
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2005 Syrah (Featured on Top 10 Wines for Father's Day 2008)
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2002 Syrah
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2004 Sonoma-Napa Chardonnay
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2004 Le Mistral
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