Joseph Phelps Insignia 2012
14.5% ABV | 750mL | Vintage 2012, Napa Valley — Joseph Phelps Insignia 2012 is one of the most decorated vintages of California's benchmark Bordeaux-style blend: 97 points from James Suckling (Top 100 Wines of 2015), 96 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 from Antonio Galloni, 95 from Wine Enthusiast, and 93 from Wine Spectator. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc — entirely estate-grown Napa Valley fruit, aged 24 months in 100% new French oak. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
The 2012 was a near-classic Napa vintage and it shows: Suckling praised "amazing aromas of blueberry, blackberry, mineral and bark... full body plus super integrated tannins with superb balance and depth," while Parker described an "inky purple... multi-layered, textural, skyscraper-like mouthfeel." Among Napa red wines, this is a blue-chip cellar bottle — Galloni re-tasted it in 2024 at 96 points and it remains in a prime drinking window with decades ahead. Decant an hour; serve with grilled ribeye or braised short ribs.
Tasting notes
Nose: blueberry, blackberry, mineral, bark, lead pencil shavings, incense, camphor (Suckling, Parker). Palate: raspberry jam, mocha, wild flowers, espresso, smoky black cherry, burly leather (Galloni, Wine Enthusiast). Finish: very long, "mind-bending" (Suckling).
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 14.5% ABV — 750mL; 2012 vintage, one of Insignia's greatest
- 97 James Suckling (Top 100 Wines of 2015), 96 Parker, 96 Galloni, 95 Wine Enthusiast
- 75/10/10/3/2 Cabernet/Petit Verdot/Merlot/Malbec/Cab Franc — 100% estate fruit, 24 months new French oak
- Still in a prime drinking window; built for 25–30+ years
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Decant 1 hour and serve at 60–65°F. Built for red meat — ribeye, lamb, or a rich mushroom ragù.
Frequently asked questions
What are the scores for the 2012 Insignia?
97 from James Suckling, 96 from Wine Advocate, 96 from Antonio Galloni, 95 from Wine Enthusiast, and 93 from Wine Spectator.
What is the blend?
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc — all estate-grown in Napa Valley.
How long can I cellar it?
Parker rated it ageworthy for 25–30+ years; it was re-tasted at 96 points in 2024 and drinks beautifully now.
Was 2012 a good Napa vintage?
Yes — 2012 is considered a near-classic Napa vintage, and this Insignia is one of its standout wines.