Joseph Phelps Red Blends
Napa's first proprietary Bordeaux blend, poured in Commack since the start.
The story behind Joseph Phelps
Joseph Phelps founded the estate in 1973 on a former 600 acre cattle ranch in St. Helena, Napa Valley. A construction executive and home winemaker, he did something no one in California had done: in 1974 he released Insignia, the state's first proprietary Bordeaux style red blend, at a time when Napa labeled nearly everything by single grape.
There is no fixed recipe. Each vintage, Insignia is the finest lots of the year, usually 85 to 94 percent Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc filling out the rest. Since 2004 it has been 100 percent estate grown, drawn from St. Helena, Rutherford, Stags Leap District and Oak Knoll, then aged 20 to 24 months in 100 percent new French oak. Wine Spectator named the 2002 Insignia its Wine of the Year in 2005.
Explore the Joseph Phelps range
Five Joseph Phelps bottlings on our shelf, from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc up to the flagship Insignia in magnum. All are allocated, so call ahead on stock.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauvignon Blanc | White, Napa Valley | 13.5% ABV (approx.) | Citrus, white peach, bright acidity, stainless and neutral oak |
| Pinot Noir | Red, Napa Valley | 14.1% ABV (approx.) | Red cherry, forest floor, silky tannin, French oak |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Red, Napa Valley | 14.5% ABV | Black currant, cocoa, cedar, firm structured tannin |
| Insignia | Red Blend, Napa Valley | 14.5% ABV | Cassis, graphite, new French oak, decades of aging |
| Insignia 1.5L | Red Blend, magnum | 14.5% ABV | Same blend, magnum format, built for the cellar |
| Insignia (older vintages) | Red Blend, library | Varies by vintage | Bottle age, softened tannin, dried fruit and leather |
Which Joseph Phelps is right for you?
Pricing runs from $37.99 for the Sauvignon Blanc to $599.99 for the Insignia magnum. The Pinot Noir sits at $59.99, the estate Cabernet Sauvignon at $99.99, and the 750mL Insignia at $229.99. Insignia is a $280 to $390 bottle in most US retail, so our number is worth a look. These are allocated wines and stock moves; call (631) 343-7200 before you drive over and we will confirm what is on the shelf.
Structured Napa Cab that stands up to ribeye without a special occasion excuse.
Napa's original proprietary blend, decanted an hour, worth the ceremony.
Magnum format slows aging; buy two and open one in twenty years.