Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality. Joe's son, Bill Phelps, joined the family business in 1998 after a successful career in law, and as Executive Chairman now oversees Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a continued dedication to excellence. The winery's Board of Directors includes Joe's daughters, Leslie, Laurie and Lynn. In 2016, third generation family members Elizabeth Neuman, Director of Business Development, and Will Phelps, the winery's Director of Marketing, were appointed to the winery's executive management team, and Allie Phelps joined the winery's hospitality team. Today, the Phelps family is committed to maintaining and nurturing Joseph Phelps Vineyards as a family-owned and run winery and to extending the extraordinary legacy of its founder, Joe Phelps.
52eCalifornia » Napa Valley
James Suckling 96 “Very pretty blackberry, blackcurrant, walnut, forest-flower and dark-walnut aromas follow through to a full body with round, juicy tannins that are fine-grained and
50eCalifornia » Sonoma Coast
Wine Enthusiast 96 "From a majority of estate-grown grapes and percentage of grower fruit, this impressive wine is juicy, textured, layered and lengthy. With a cool-climate
43dCalifornia » Sonoma Coast
James Suckling 94 “A white that grows slowly on the palate with dried apples and light pear and lime character. Medium body, bright acidity and a
Wine Advocate 98 The 2015 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 90 Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 Petit Verdot, 2 Cabernet Franc and 1 Malbec aged for
Decanter 96 “This has a real sense of freshness and grip. A pure expression of Cabernet with a shot of eucalyptus and menthol, extremely concentrated but
Wine Enthusiast 96 This expressive wine impresses in its expanse of savory tension and complexity, with accents of clove and cardamom. It is lightly styled on
James Suckling 95 Very aromatic with blueberries and blackcurrants, as well as red licorice. Floral, too. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and lightly chewy. Lovely depth of fruit
James Suckling 94 "This shows wonderful density and texture with ripe tannins, as well as tangy acidity underneath. Full-bodied, yet tight and composed. Balanced and beautiful.
Robert Parker 100 A barrel sample made up of 84 Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 Petit Verdot, 3 Cabernet Franc and 3 Malbec to be aged for 24
Wine Enthusiast 94 “Year after year, this wine from a spectacularly coolclimate site impresses and intrigues. A crisp greenapple note is followed by high-toned acidity etched
James Suckling 93 “Very attractive baking spices and gently toasty oak across ripe raspberries and strawberries with light savory baking spices and bergamot. The palate has
Robert Parker 100 A barrel sample blended of 90 Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 Petit Verdot, 2 Cabernet Franc and 1 Malbec coming from six vineyards and reared
Wine Advocate 92 “Having seen 19% whole cluster, the 2015 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyard has a medium ruby-purple color and nose of red cherries and black
JamesSuckling 93 “Lots of burnt orange with currant and dust undertones. Some rose petal, too. Full body, chewy and tannic with lots of tension and intensity.
Wine Enthusiast 93 "This viscous wine offers an underlay of toasty oak notes that round out its gravelly texture. Light-bodied and filigreed with acidity, its lemon,
Vinous 97 "The 2014 Insignia is shaping up to be one of the surprises of the vintage. A rich, explosive Insignia, the 2014 exudes pedigree. A
Wine Advocate 92 "More raspberries, floral notes, herbs and underbrush appear in the more complex, still not bottled 2014 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyard. This is a
James Suckling 93 "Layered and subtle with currant, light chocolate, almond and cedar character. Medium body, polished tannins and a flavorful finish, yet this always reserved
The Wine Advocate 91 ""The Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, is a strong effort from Joseph Phelps and possibly could turn out to
The Wine Advocate 100 "The flagship wine of the estate in reds is their Insignia, which has been one of the great Bordeaux blends made in
Vinous Media 91 "The 2013 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyard is soft, silky and nicely perfumed in the glass. Savory herbs, mint, anise and dark cherries add
Wine Enthusiast 95 "This 100% varietal wine from the cooler outpost of Freestone is so deliciously crisp, bright in minerally lemon and fresh pear. It
James Suckling 97 "Amazing aromas of blueberry, blackberry, mineral and bark. Complex nose. Full body plus super integrated tannins with superb balance and depth. Coffee and
Wine Enthusiast 94 "Made from estate-grown fruit near the chilly Sonoma Coast town of Freestone, this is a fully layered wine, expertly balanced in acidity yet
James Suckling 91 "Aromas of terracotta, clay, red earth, cocoa and berry. Full body with round, velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Very well done for