Our Cabernet Vineyards &

What They Contribute to the Blend

In the early days of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, before the relationship among soil, climate and viticulture practices was well understood, the winery experimented with a stylistic range of Cabernet Sauvignon from diverse locations within the Napa Valley that included fruit sourced from both estate vineyards and independent growers. Throughout the 70’s the concepts of a Bordeaux-style blend (Insignia), a single vineyard designate (Backus) and a Cabernet styled for earlier enjoyment (Napa), formed the cornerstone of the red wine program.

Even back then it was recognized that certain prime locations were producing superior fruit, and from 1979 to 1999 the winery made a commitment to purchase and develop Cabernet vineyards in those areas.

Today that commitment is paying off. In 2004, for the first time, our Insignia is 100% estate grown. The 2004 Napa Cabernet is 75% estate grown and as newer vineyards mature we anticipate the Napa Cab will ultimately be sourced entirely from estate fruit as well.

These vineyards are our pride and joy. Under the watchful care of Philippe Pessereau and his crew, each year the fruit improves. There are currently 270 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon being farmed among 7 vineyards in 5 distinct growing regions. Of these, 240 acres are farmed 100% biodynamically with sustainable farming methods applied to the balance.

The unique characteristics contributed by each region to the finished wine are summarized as follows:

Spring Valley – Our home ranch near St. Helena yields dark red fruit, berry aromas, briar and cedar-like flavors, and big, chewy tannins. These grapes provide structural foundation to the blend.
	Yountville – An early-ripening mid-valley vineyard which yields highly extracted, red fruit flavors with graphite and mineral undertones, soft acids and strong tannins.
Rutherford – This legendary appellation contributes dark red/purple colored fruit; intense ripe berry/cherry aromas; big, sweet, mouth-filling tannins and a long finish. Adds structure, aroma and flavor to the blend.
	Stag’s Leap District – This renowned appellation produces dark red/purple colored fruit; floral aromas; bright, ripe fruit flavors; soft and lush sweet tannins; and a long finish. The most individually balanced wine, it has everything: color, aroma, flavor, tannin, and finish.
Suscol – Our newest vineyard in south Napa ripens late and produces black, highly pigmented fruit with good acidity and balanced, modest tannins. The first harvest in 2005 was so promising, several lots were used in Insignia.