Insignia (1976)

About this wine

The 1976 Joseph Phelps Insignia is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot, sourced predominantly from the esteemed Eisele Vineyard. This wine presents a deep garnet color and offers aromas of unsmoked cigar tobacco and Asian spices. On the palate, it delivers full-bodied flavors of sweet red and black fruits, complemented by ripe tannins and a broad, savory mouthfeel. Notably, the 1976 vintage was one of the driest years on record, resulting in a small crop of thick-skinned, tannic berries that contributed to the wine's depth and concentration. This vintage has been recognized as an American icon, showcasing the remarkable aging potential and complexity of Napa Valley wines.

About the grape

In the 1976 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia, Cabernet Sauvignon made up 94% of the blend, sourced primarily from the Eisele Vineyard in Calistoga. This vineyard was renowned for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity. The remaining 6% was Merlot from the Stanton Vineyard, adding softness and roundness to the blend. This combination showcased the potential of Napa Valley's terroir in crafting Bordeaux-style blends.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1976 Insignia was crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the esteemed Eisele Vineyard, comprising 94% of the blend, with the remaining 6% being Merlot from the Stanton Vineyard.
• 🪵 This vintage was aged for 15 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
• ☀️ The 1976 growing season was marked by an exceptional drought, leading to a small crop of thick-skinned, tannic berries, resulting in wines with remarkable concentration and aging potential.
• 🍷 Upon release, the 1976 Insignia was lauded for its deep garnet color and notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco and Asian spices, showcasing its rich and savory character.
• 🏆 Over the years, this vintage has been recognized as an American icon, with critics praising its extraordinary bouquet and explosive finish, solidifying its status in Napa Valley's winemaking history.

Palate profile

Producer

Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973 by Joe Phelps, a former construction executive from Colorado, who transformed a 600-acre cattle ranch near St. Helena, California, into a renowned winery. In 1974, the winery introduced 'Insignia,' the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend in California, marking a significant innovation in the state's wine industry. Over the years, Joseph Phelps Vineyards expanded its estate to include 525 acres across 11 vineyards in Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast, emphasizing sustainable practices and land preservation. In 2022, the winery was acquired by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), integrating it into a global portfolio of luxury wine brands.