| Region of production: | Napa Valley AVA |
| Winery Location: | St. Helena |
| Year Established: | 1973 |
Vineyard Holdings
- Spring Valley Ranch (St. Helena AVA, original property): 48 ha
- Las Rocas (Stags Leap District AVA): 16 ha
- Barboza (Stags Leap District AVA): 7 ha
- Backus (Oakville AVA): 9 ha
- Suscol (Napa Valley AVA): 38 ha
- Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll District): 19 ha
Top Wines Produced & Inaugural Vintages
- Insignia: 1974
- Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: 1975 (discontinued after the 1991 vintage)
- Backus Cabernet Sauvignon: 1977
Average Total Production
- N/A
Summary
Joseph Phelps purchased a large cattle ranch in St. Helena’s Spring Valley in 1973, immediately planted vineyards, and began construction of a winery. His first vintage, including the first Insignia bottling, was the same year. Over the decades, Phelps has purchased a number of Napa Valley vineyards and negotiated long-term lease arrangements with others. The icon Insignia, a Bordeaux-style blend, receives regular attention from the press, and was named the Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2002. Since 2004, Insignia has been estate bottled, reflecting the company’s desire to move to 100% estate production. Phelps has also embraced the concept of biodynamic agriculture. Today, Phelps produces a full lineup of varietal wines from two wineries: the original St. Helena property and a new facility, completed in 2007 near Freestone on the Sonoma Coast. The latter produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir exclusively.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Insignia and Backus Vineyard Cabernet are both ripe, polished wines. They typically undergo two years of aging in 100% new French oak.
Producer Website: Joseph Phelps