Insignia is the flagship wine of Joseph Phelps Vineyards and holds a unique place in the history of American fine wine. It is widely credited as being the first proprietary, non-traditional Bordeaux-style blend in the Napa Valley, setting the precedent for many other iconic California wines that followed. The inaugural vintage was 1974, and the name “Insignia” was chosen to symbolize the ultimate expression of the winery’s winemaking vision and commitment to quality.

The wine is predominantly a Cabernet Sauvignon blend, but the exact composition changes annually to reflect the unique characteristics of the vintage and to achieve the best possible expression of the Joseph Phelps estate vineyards across Napa Valley. Other Bordeaux varietals used may include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

Insignia is celebrated for its remarkable consistency, power, and elegance. It is known for its deep, concentrated dark fruit profile—typically blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum—layered with complex notes of violet, tobacco, cedar, and graphite. The texture is often described as luxurious and velvety, supported by a firm, sophisticated structure and a long, persistent finish.

As a multi-vineyard blend, Insignia aims to transcend the characteristics of any single site, representing the pinnacle of Joseph Phelps’ production across the entire Napa Valley. It is an exceptionally age-worthy wine, capable of evolving gracefully for decades, and remains one of the most highly collected and critically acclaimed wines in the world.