News
Robert Parker Awards Three Perfect Insignia Scores in Historical Tasting Report
We are pleased to share Robert Parker's Insignia Historical Tasting (1974-2012) report for The Wine Advocate, which includes three perfect 100 point scores for the 1991, 1997 and 2002 vintages
"To say I was honored to be at the table with Joe and Bob (Parker) discussing a wine like the 1974 Insignia, would be an understatement. I will always cherish that afternoon," said Winemaker, Ashley Hepworth. "I am continually impressed by how beautiful the 1974 Insignia is as well as the 1978, 1985, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2002. It's impossible to pick just one favorite."
"The 1974 Insignia was truly amazing. My favorites from the other decades would be the 1985, 1994 and 2002. The 2012 is going to be spectacular," commented Director of Winemaking, Damian Parker. "2012 Insignia is only getting better and better with each day of barrel aging."
"I was so very pleased my father was able to attend the tasting," stated Bill Phelps. "Joseph Phelps Vineyards is one of my father's great accomplishments. For me, the tasting continued my love affair with the 1991 Insignia. I thought the 1974 and 2002 vintages were also stunning. 2007 Insignia onward were just incredible, but they really are still so young and have yet to reveal their full greatness."
2013 Napa Valley Harvest
The 2013 Napa Valley harvest began with the picking of Sauvignon Blanc on August 14th, which was two weeks earlier than in 2012. Our first reds were picked on September 13th at the St. Helena Home Ranch, which was approximately sixteen days earlier than the last three vintages. The dry growing season and nearly perfect weather pushed the vines forward almost two weeks, starting with bloom occurring early and veraison following a similar pattern. The warm weather over Labor Day weekend pushed sugar levels in many vineyards; we carefully irrigated and waited for the rest of the flavors in the grapes to catch up with the sugars before picking. Our final day of picking took place on October 16th, again at the St. Helena Home Ranch.
"The moderate weather all summer developed great flavor, color and tannin across the board. We had plenty of fermentation space and the flow of grapes was very consistent. Early tastings indicate that 2013 will be another very high quality year," said Director of Winemaking, Damian Parker.
"There is a great purity of fruit in the 2013 wines, good structure and overall an excellent winegrowers vintage. Wines are all in barrel aging at this point and evolving beautifully," stated Winemaker, Ashley Hepworth.