The 2012 Joseph Phelps Insignia has an inky dark hue and aromas of ripe blackberries, star anise, cigarbox, clove and sweet mocha notes. Richly opulent with velvety texture and supple tannins, this full-bodied offering envelops the palate in luscious, lingering black plum and violets along with layers of baking spices.  The 2012 growing season proved to be excellent from start to finish in Napa Valley. Vineyards were carefully monitored throughout the growing season for optimum, even ripening, with a fruit set and perfect ripening weather in August, September and October which resulted in superior fruit with exceptional quality.

96 Points - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
The flagship wine of the estate in reds is their Insignia, which has been one of the great Bordeaux blends made in California since the debut vintage in 1974. Inky purple to the rim, with notes of lead pencil shavings, incense, camphor, blackberry and creme de cassis, the wine is full-bodied, offering a multi-layered, textural, skyscraper-like mouthfeel, terrific purity, density and richness. All of this is achieved without a sense of heaviness or anything aggressive. This is a beauty to drink now and over the next 30 years. (Oct. 2015)

pair with

Set of 2 Ultima Thule 7-3/4-ounce red wine glasses; 5 inches tall
Clear glass crafted in wooden molds for an organic look
Textured bubble effect on slightly curved, stemmed vessels
Glassware collection designed by Tapio Wirkkala in 1968
Dishwasher-safe; made in Finland