Long known for his innovative spirit and passion for quality, Joe Phelps pioneered a number of "firsts" in the early years of the winery. The 1974 Insignia — released in the spring of 1978 — was the first Bordeaux-style blend produced in California under a proprietary label. The release of the 1974 Syrah in 1977 sparked industry-wide interest in a remarkable French varietal whose plantings in California had disappeared and been virtually forgotten for over half a century. And in 1990, after years of research, a whole new family of Rhône-style wines was introduced which today includes Syrah, Viognier and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape style blend called Le Mistral.  Taste for yourself the subtle evolution of this blend as you move through these specatular vintages.

This vertical includes:

1995: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, & 3% Petit Verdot

1996: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot

1997: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, & 3 Petit Verdot