Robert Parker, Jr.-Wine Advocate:  Rated as An extraordinary wine of profound and complex character displaying all the attributes expected of a classic wine of its variety. Worth a special effort to find, purchase and consume.  "The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Insignia is a towering, statuesque wine bursting with blackberry jam, tar, spices, leather and licorice. It shows fabulous depth and richness backed up by serious, imposing tannins that suggest it has a long life. Ideally, the 2008 should be purchased by those who can be patient; it is not a wine for those seeking immediate gratification. The blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.

Another great success for Phelps, the 2007 and 2008 Insignias may be the best back-to-back vintages they have produced since 1995 and 1994. 

Joseph Phelps’ flagship wine, which they have been making for 36 years, is the Insignia, which boasts a remarkable track record. Phelps, always a visionary, was the first to recognize that a blend of grapes could be better than a single varietal cuvee. " Dec 2010"

Winery:  "The 2008 Insignia boasts aromatic layers of dark roasted coffee and graphite. The seductive mouth-feel has excellent length, intensely ripe black fruit, minerality and creaminess that tie together seamlessly on the palate."

Wired For Wine:  For a super Tuesday, we bring you a truly super wine...  The 2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia Cabernet Blend is masterfully and intricately layered with opulent flavors ranging from lush, dark fruit to minerals, good acidity and floral notes. Now add creaminess and "stunning concentration and purity" and everything comes together to bang loudly on the door of perfection. This remarkable Joseph Phelps will be approachable in its youth, but may also be a twinkling gem in your cellar which anchors an important celebration years from now. Your choice... When that day does come, we think that the gorgeous fruit and dark roasted coffee notes in this Insignia will be lovely with a first course of orrechiette pasta with grilled sweet sausage and sweet peppers with ricotta salata. Of course, the beautifully long finish is such that you might just want say hello to that first glass without the distraction of food. Once you've gotten acquainted, we think you'll need robust, hearty fare to go with this incredibly smooth Napa red. Lamb, beef, meat and game will be worthy pairings. A classic choice which will show off the staggeringly rich aromatics of this Cabernet blend would be thick cut lamb chops with rosemary, baby carrots, anchovy and fennel.  We also recommend duck breast with spiced rhubarb, marcona almonds and duck confit. And finally, red wine braised short ribs with caramelized shallots and creamy polenta will pay homage to the serious pedigree of this Phelps. You won't want to stop there, so we suggest that you have another glass with a wedge of dark chocolate ganache tart with a salted pretzel crust.   Ridiculously, unforgettably, royally, crazy good...

Size:  750ml
Varietal: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot
Alcohol:  14.5%
Ageing:   24 months in 100% new French oak from coopers Taransaud, Dargaud Jaegle, Nadalie, Demptos and Sylvain. Each barrel type was carefully selected to highlight the unique terroir of the given vineyard location.
Region:  Napa Valley, California