Magnum Joseph Phelps - Insignia - Napa Valley 2016 4df5d4d9d819b397555d03cedf085f48

Wine Spectator

95 / 100

byJames Molesworththe10/31/2019

This is laden with flavors of dark currant, blackberry and black cherry preserves, infused gently with alder, incense and black tea notes, all carried by a long swath of fine-grained tannins. Hints of warm stone and tobacco gild the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2021 through 2035. 13,500 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast

98 / 100

the9/23/2019

This is a lenghty, powerful blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Together they coalesce as one seamless, complex experience of black currant, brambly berry and black pepper, with accents of graphite, pencil and cedar. Robust in tannin and youthful energy, it will benefit from aging. Enjoy 2026-2031. Cellar Selection - VB

Wine Advocate

97-100 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe5/13/2019

The 2016 Insignia reveals chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries
and black raspberries with touches of underbrush, cedar chest and bouquet garni plus a hint of grilled meat. The palate springs forth with exciting energy, offering loads of red and black fruit layers and compelling herbal sparks, featuring a firm, fine-grained backbone and bags of freshness lifting the finish. -LPB, Dec. 2018

Jamessuckling.com

98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe5/13/2019

Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish.
The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. Exciting wine. -James Suckling, May 2019

Wine Advocate

97-100 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe12/17/2018

Chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries and black raspberries with touches of underbrush, cedar chest and bouquet garni plus a hint of grilled meat. Medium to full-bodied, the palate springs forth with exciting energy, offering loads of red and black fruit layers and compelling herbal sparks, featuring a firm, fine-grained backbone and bags of freshness lifting the finish.”-

Vinous

94-97 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe12/1/2018

The 2016 Insignia is fabulous. Dark and powerful in the glass, the 2016 pulses with a sense of vibrancy that is impossible to miss. Even with all of its energy, the 2016 is understated and nuanced, especially next to the vintages that surround it. Today, the 2016 is a bit less expressive than it has been in the past, and yet all of the elements are in place for it to develop into an exquisite wine.

Vinous

95-98 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe3/1/2018

Sweet, racy and perfumed, the 2016 Insignia captivates all the senses with its exceptional balance. In 2016, Insignia is poised and vibrant in the glass, with gorgeous balance of aromatics, fruit and structure. Succulent dark cherry, plum, lavender and menthol are all nicely delineated. Today, the 2016 offers the mid-weight structure of the 2014 with the depth and darker profile of the 2015, a combination that is incredibly appealing. All of that makes the 2016 Insignia one of the highlights in this tasting.