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Joseph Phelps Vineyards Unveils Insignia 2022 Vintage

This autumn, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, brought to you by MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo Co., Ltd., has announced the release of the new 2022 vintage of its signature wine, Insignia. This iconic wine emerged from California's esteemed Napa Valley, founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful businessman and winemaker.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards pioneered the concept of blending multiple grape varieties to create high-quality wines. In 1974, they introduced Insignia, California's first Bordeaux-style blend, which promptly revolutionized perceptions of fine wine in the United States. The name “Insignia” reflects its distinctive quality and has since become a hallmark of the winery's heritage, consistently receiving high ratings, including 100 points for four vintage releases by Robert Parker and Wine Advocate.

The winery, now boasting eight estates in Napa Valley, grows an array of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The unique characteristics stemming from each vineyard contribute to the complexity and depth of flavor in the Insignia wine. Crucially, the wine's signature tannins evolve from meticulous vineyard selection and gentle extraction, followed by extensive aging in French oak barrels, resulting in a sophisticated final product. It embodies a balance of robustness ideal for aging, while remaining approachable for immediate enjoyment.

The spirit of innovation established by Joseph Phelps persists today as a dedicated team follows a passionate commitment to winemaking. The 2022 Insignia vintage promises to deliver a luxurious experience for wine enthusiasts, showcasing not only elegance but also complexity.

In a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship over the last 50 years, Joseph Phelps Vineyards practices an agroecological approach that goes beyond mere grape cultivation. They foster a relationship with nature aimed at restoring soil health and enhancing biodiversity within their ecosystems. This effort nurtures healthier grapes that yield higher quality harvests, thereby preserving the land's longevity.

Highlights from the Joseph Phelps Insignia 2022 Tasting Event

At a recent tasting event, CEO David Pearson expressed pride in the 2022 Insignia, which survived challenging climatic conditions. He highlighted how the vintage embodies a profound expression of their winemaking journey, referring to wine as a “living art” that evolves and matures over time.

Yuko and Nobuaki Jirin, renowned wine aficionados, were equally impressed, noting the fabulous aromas and rich narratives woven into each glass. They described the 2022 vintage as having a captivating allure—akin to whispers from a witch inviting a climber to explore further into the forest's depths. They reflected on the 2021 vintage as offering a prolonged finish akin to a festival’s drumbeat, interspersed with an Oriental spiciness that resonated deeply. Additionally, the 2019 vintage stood out with its cinnamon and mint notes, reminiscent of flamboyant Bordeaux wines, while the 2016 vintage promised future blooms that excited the palate.

Insignia 2022 Product Details

The 2022 Insignia presents a harmonious balance, infused with warmth and deliciousness:

• - Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
• - Vineyards: Banca Dorada-Rutherford AVA, Yountville-Oak Knoll AVA, Las Rocas-Stags Leap AVA, Suscol-Napa AVA, Home Ranch-St. Helena AVA, Balboza-Stags Leap AVA
• - Aging: 24 months in 100% new French oak
• - Bottle Size: 750ml
• - Alcohol Content: 14.5%
• - Retail Price: ¥53,000 (tax excluded)
• - Tasting Notes: Bright crimson hue with aromas of dark berry compote and allspice. Rich cacao and freshly brewed espresso notes add depth, while Provencal herbs and tobacco leaves introduce terroir-derived complexity. On the palate, cardamom and nutmeg enhance the fruitiness, supported by refined tannins that provide a lingering warmth and savor, making the wine both accessible now and suitable for aging.

Founded in 1973, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has cultivated an esteemed reputation for producing extraordinary wines, ensuring that each bottle reflects the dedication to quality that secures its status among the world’s premier wine estates. The vision pushed forth by Joseph Phelps has endured, with modern winemakers continuing to innovate and elevate the winery's legacy in Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast.

The winery adopts a range of sustainable practices, including the use of renewable energy sources and biodiversity-enhancing landscaping. They are certified by Fish Friendly Farming, promoting healthy habitats and recycling waste materials back into the ecosystem, ensuring a sustainable future for both vineyard and consumer alike.

Explore more about Joseph Phelps Vineyards by visiting their website.