2005 Insignia
| Publication | The Wine Advocate |
| Author | Robert Parker |
| Date | 12/31/08 |
| Award | 95 Points |
| Review | Since 2004, 100% of the Bordeaux varietals used in the Insignia proprietary blend have been from estate vineyards. The beautiful, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Insignia . . . possesses sweet aromas of black cherries, cassis, chocolate, camphor, and a subtle hint of roasted herbs. Medium to full-bodied and elegant, with a European style imposed on the rich, velvety, California fruit, this cuvée will benefit from several years of bottle age, and should easily keep for three decades. |
| Publication | The Wine Spectator |
| Date | 10/31/08 |
| Award | 92 Points |
| Review | Smooth, supple and complex, offering wonderful aromas and serving up a range of herb- and mineral-laced currant, black cherry, blackberry, sage and pebble notes. Best from 2011 through 2018. |
| Publication | Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine |
| Date | 12/08 |
| Award | WINE OF THE YEAR AWARD |
| Review | Our WINE OF THE YEAR AWARD goes to Joseph Phelps Insignia 2005. Here is a Cabernet-based offering that finds depth and balance, supple beauty and firming structure in one delightful package that is sure to age for years and years. This year’s version of Insignia is a stunning wine that vies for very top honors of the vintage. Its utterly enveloping aromas of perfectly ripe currants, creamy oak and dried violets are followed up in the mouth with wonderfully extracted, carefully proportioned Cabernet flavors that go on and on. The wine is lush yet solidly structured with a fine sense of balance and tannin right where it should be, and, as good as the wine will be in its youth, it will be better with age. |
