So I bought a cellar; 11/12/2022-12/31/2030: Brought to a restaurant in St. Barth, along with the 2002. Popped both and poured. Big nose of red fruit; poured a deep dark red. No bricking that I could tell. Soft tannins on the palate, and plush, velvety texture. But a little be thinner than the 2002. Both had very similar profiles. Delicious. 30th Anniversary bottling.
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Wow. Still amazing after a 2-3 hour decant. Has lots of life ahead as the fruit was nowhere near fading. My last bottle of that vintage. Insignia rarely disappoints and can be the best California offers.
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good Insignia typicity, but slightly on the heavier side, dark fruit, good acidity for lift (even of weighed down by the body)...decanted at noon and then had at 6pm bday party, few were trying this wine for the first few hours then suddenly it went like hotcakes... recommend at least 6, more likely 8-10 hours of air at this point... very good but best at the end of the night
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Still drinking well. Not one of the denser Insignia's, but still very nice. Good age notes with muted fruit. Probably on a slow downslope, but no hurry to drink.
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Have to agree with other tasters, excellent now, don’t see this getting substantially better over the next 3 - 5 years.
Opened and decanted about 45 minutes. First taste upon opening was good but not impressive. After 45 minutes, excellent and impressive; smooth, rounded with lots of complexity and kept improving over time, just didn’t last long enough (the wine, not the flavors). Had with grilled ribeye and baked potato and 70% dark chocolate for dessert.
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Ripe prune when opened. Decanted. Better balanced at 45 min. Not a lot of obvious tannin but did have structure. Extremely enjoyable with food. Not a blockbuster wine. Probably not going to improve. Put half the bottle in a 375 immediately and the wine didn’t change the next day.
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Similar to last bottle. Drinking well. Lots of dark fruit, chocolate notes. Long finish. Would not wait on this, drink now. Very rounded out wine, no sharp edges! I don’t expect this to improve
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Drinking really well. Very elegant nose of fruit and vanilla. Lots of oak, but also showing lots of black fruit and vanilla. Seems to be at peak now. Drink over next two years.
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(February 28, 2021)... This one starts off a little leathery, but there is also a definite fruity nature that is underlying within that leatheriness. Plenty of dark fruit almost jammy as it opens, and that palate is silky smooth with just a hint of tannin. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and Malbec and Merlot take 3% each.
After only a half hour or so it shows lots of delicious dark fruits: cassis, black cherry and even a smoky note that starts to emerge. Thankfully, I decided not to decant, as CellarTracker folks said I should; by decanting I would have stripped everything interesting and appealing away from this wine. Drink from bottle within the secondary vessel, if you insist on decanting only decant a little bit to see the difference.
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Decanted for 2 hrs and it could have used a bit more. The nose was black fruits and herbs. Enjoyed over 3 hours and it never really softens. Black cherry and plums on the palate, firm tannins but still very alcohol forward. I think this still bas quite a few years of aging potential. I’ll wait a year for the next bottle.
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Red fruit, leather on the nose. Very smooth on the palate. Black cherry, raspberry, hint of chocolate, leather. Soft tannins. Long finish. This wine has not peaked and can lay longer.
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One of the older Insignias i have. The wine aged well and was delicious! Nose of some spice and tobacco and dark fruit mostly black cherry and currant. Mouth had a nice feel to it with tingling tannins and acidity. The dark fruit came thru nicely and blended well the tannins and left over acidity. Nice long finish with the tannins holding it long.
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Layered with aromas of blackberries, black cherries, anise, dark chocolate and coffee. The aromas and flavors are framed by mouth-coating tannins and followed by an extremely long finish. BLEND AND GRAPE SOURCES 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 3% Malbec from 87% estate & 13% grower vineyards: 31% Banca Dorada Vineyard (Rutherford), 23% Home Ranch Vineyard (St. Helena), 20% Las Rocas Vineyard and 10% Barboza Vineyard (Stags Leap), 3% Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll) and 13% Coombsville and St. Helena growers
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The best of CA Cabernet. Shows no sign of fading. A nose of berries and spice. Still has noticeable but not dominant acidity and tannin. Smooth, elegant with oak, spice and a balanced richness. Some sediment lining the wine glass. Excellent.
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Finally opened this bottle and as others mentioned, there is more risk of cork damage than the wine being too mature. If you feel your bottles safely corked, this wine should cellar nicely for a few more years.
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Drank over three days, paired mostly with a homemade beef stew. Good idea, because this is still a huge, profound wine that needs red meat or stinky cheese for balance. Day one: too much oak, closed. Needed more decanting. Day two, I started to get burnt sage on the nose, alongside leather and all the ripe blueberry, blackberry, café mocha, and cassis you’d expect from a Napa cab of this stature. Full bodied, weighty on the palate, suppler tannins, so satisfying. Day three, total integration, aromas of menthol, fennel, pine needles, black fruit, chocolate jumping out of the glass. A fruit-forward, mouth-coating texture, beef blood (or was that my stew?), and a long, surprisingly juicy finish. I love how this wine changed so much over time.
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I'm a huge fan of Insignia. Unfortunately with this bottle the cork deteriorated pretty easily after I attempted to remove. After a couple filtrations determined the wine was still fine thankfully. Drank the best within 45 min of opening, after that it started to fade towards the end. Bottle may have been slightly flawed but still very enjoyable. If you're holding, I would drink soon.
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Drinking awesome at 17 years old and I honestly believe it has at least another 10-15 to go. The nose was dark berry and hints of mocha. The palate was dark berries, plums, tobacco, raw meat and mocha. The finish was long and smooth. Sadly my only bottle.
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About as good as they come. Fantastic aroma. Tannins out of this world. Beautiful red fruit with lots of acidity. This is as good as any Bordeaux I’ve had. Too bad they charge $300 Canadian for their new vintages
I paid less than 250 Canadian for this and that’s a steal. Wow what a wind
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Poured to decanter and served. This came across a bit riper and more stewed fruit, than I would expect from the Insignia. Black and blue fruits, somewhat macerated, dark chocolate, tannins resolved some heat from the alcohol.
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Drank this at Snake's 70th surprise birthday party. It was amazing paired with braised short ribs. I agree with other reviews, drink up in the next 18 months.
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The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are slow. There is moderate sediment in the bottle. The body is medium/full. The wine has satin-like texture. The wine finishes medium. drink within a year I would say.
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Opened last night next to a Backus of the same year and the comparison was stark. The 100% CS Backus was austere in comparison and the Insignia was like a fruit bomb in a side x side tasting. This wine has youth in it with the dark cherry, cassis, blackberry notes and some dark chocolate on the palette. It was decanted for 2 hours so the nose had diminished light oak and earth. This was a crowd pleaser so I hope you enjoy your bottle.
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Big fruit aroma. Great legs. Beautiful soft tannins. Dark cherry, berry fruit and slight chocolate flavor. Long finish suggesting it can lay down a lot longer.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Very nice aromas of flowers and dark red fruits. These followed on to the palate along with blue fruits, well integrated tannins, a touch of cedar and earth, and perfectly balancing acidity. A very well made, and well developed wine that showcases what a winemaker can do in a questionable vintage. Should hold for several years.
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Pours blackish dark. Excellent nose. Nice cedar tobacco and dark fruit with a decent dose of tannin. Nice lingering finish. Even better an hour plus in the bottle. Still in the early part of its drinking window.
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Still in great shape! Had with NYE meal of seafood. Dark inky look to it. Nose still still full of ripe fruits. Tastes of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, with a hint of smoke. Beginning to change to a garnet color after about two hours opened. Tannins were still present but not overpowering. This wine still has some great years of cellaring and should be even more integrated in a few more years. Still some left in the bottle. Wonder how it will be the next day?
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Tasted in a flight of 93/95/97/03/05/08/09. This showed very well in this flight. A little heat on the back end, and with tannins still to completely resolve. Some sweetness, but overall a great showing
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Had this a few times over the last 5 years and improved every time. WOTN with some stellar competition. Fruit, leather, fine cigar, smooth, long long long. If this is a bad year, can't wait to try some of my other Insignias from later vintages. But I should because these guys peak at 10+ years and stay there a long while
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Decanted and allowed to breathe for about 45 minutes. Continued to improve with additional time in the decanter during dinner. Well integrated. Soft silky tannins. Lingering finish. Oak. Plums. Currants. Smoke. Slightly sour blackberry on the finish. Good match for filet mignon and new potatoes.
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Still very good but a little more reserved this time around. I think the fruit may be starting to fade or is just integrating better. There was still plenty of fruit, but just felt more restrained in comparison to previous bottles. Nose wasnt quite as expressive either. The wine has lost some of the riper characteristics that it used to exhibit like the stewed and pruney flavours - as a results, I think I may have enjoyed this bottle the most so far. Still a big wine and will hold for a while, but I definitely think this wine is at peak.
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No decant. Open for 45 minutes. Spectacular. Drinking very well. The pro reviewers say this one will be good for another decade. They might be correct, but it is hard to see how this one will get better from where it is right now. I have one bottle left.......I am not going to drink it right away, but will not let it sit and sit.
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Best bottle yet. For my palate, it's in the perfect place right now. Beautifully integrated with soft velvety tannins. Enough acidity to balance the huge fruit on the palate. Slightly pruney and raisiny but still enjoyable. Not the best vintage but it is a job well done by Phelps. Should hold for many years.
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This is a stellar Insignia just beginning to show its age but full of strength and vigor. Bouquet is complex and bold with an ensuing palate dense with fresh fruit flavor and soft spices. The finish is medium long with dense tannins that sustain the notes. Excellent stuff.
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Dark colour, almost black. Thick and viscous in the glass. Delightful aromas of red and black fruits, cumin, spices and vanilla. Deliciously decadent on the palate, with unctuous body and a very long finish. Delightful.
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We really enjoyed it. Has plenty of fruit left. We decanted for 3 hours. It went gorgeously with Filet Mignon Diane. Another well done Insignia. I would wish that Phelps would dial back the alcohol on recent releases but doubt that is happening as the Parker scores are keeping it dialed up.
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This wine was Coravined back in February, and wanted to see how the Coravin system treats wine over time. This still had all of the characteristics of a freshly opened bottle of wine. Deep dark look to it, with notes of leather, tobacco and the usual red fruits. Finish was nice and long. Paired with steak and it really went well with food. Not the best Insignia I have had, but it is still got some life to it.
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Nose: Black raspberries, little bit of mint, herbaceous like you’re in a field.
Taste: She Batted her eyelashes, maybe not so good; okay not much there. Hollow with limited fruit edges bound together with alcohol. Nothing to it. Glad we’re drinking it now. Our humble opinion says, this is probably way past its prime. Pop it and drink it, do not decant. Overall; it was ok.
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This is a great wine, but it was a bit overshadowed by a 2000 Colgin TH. Came across as just a bit more heavy and less light on its feet. Nice fruit and spice characteristics, but not the same acidity to create the balance. Still, delicious wine and paired very nicely with a steak.
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My last bottle. Supposedly well past its peak, but it was just fine (although i wouldn't recommend holding any bottles much longer). Pretty much what I had expected - beautiful nose, silky smooth, rich, great finish, yadda, yadda, yadda. However, it didn't even come close to "exciting". Very good wine, but it didn't (doesn't) justify its extravagant price tag.
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Opened and decanted for a few hours before serving. Drank right after a '98 Luce and originally the stark difference in styles made this wine feel a bit over the top and quite honestly jammy. That faded a bit with some time and then it was just that wonderful ripe blackberry that I appreciate in an Insignia and a touch of the earth and overall a very approachable and lovely wine.
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John comes to town! (Amali (115 E 60th Street, NY, NY)): For me up there with the 1992 Montelena Estate for the WOTN and I think if this had a few more years it would have taken it. Seemed pretty young to me still. Very soft, good fruit, I'm looking forward to drinking ours (but thinking we may want to wait a few years). I suspect also the drinking window only going till 2019 is incorrect - this prob had another 10 years at least in it.
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Drank with a friend over evening hors d'oeuvres following a brief decant..Still outstanding! Dark ruby with almost no sediment giving a brooding nose of dark fruit.
The fruit has decayed slightly, for the worse, yet still giving immense tasting pleasure with soft mouth feel and long, long finish. Not much stuffing here so those of use who love these wines for their fruit should drink up soon
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My palate was pretty fatigued by the time I got to this, but I still found this lovely. Can never get sick of insignia. Definitely one of my favorite Cali cabs.
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Plump dark fruit. Spicy plum chocolate nose. Closed at first, takes about an hour to open. Sweet fruit, port like. Backbone eventually becomes evident. Should decant
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Had 2 bottles of this tonight and this was probably the best showing yet. Definitely in its early maturity and will drink well for many years to come. I don't really see this improving too much more and it really is delicious right now
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Had two bottles tonight and it seemed much more restrained than previous bottles. These just didnt show that well tonight, felt closed in comparison to a bottle I had several months ago. With that said, it was still delicious and showed the typical insignia aromas and flavours, just didnt have the same oomph.
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Held up well in the cellar. Still very dark in color. Still some tannins although very subtle. Big nose. Will hold my other bottle a couple more years. Decanted for about 30 minutes-day light was burning if you know what I mean. Drank on a Friday night with my wife KB after a full week of getting our asses kicked at work. Had with grilled rib eye and roasted taters and mushrooms. A good steak and a great cab-the perfect tonic for work related ailments.
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Elegant and balanced. As dark rich, silky Napa Cab as I have ever had. I decanted for three hours and then spent the next five hours enjoying this classy, most enjoyable wine. I not good on discerning different flavors so I'll leave that to other reviewers.
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We did an Insignia 2001, 2003 & 2007 vertical. This one was spectacular. It was about a 50/50 among the eight of us on whether the 01 or 03 was better. The 07 was great but everyone agreed that it needs more time in the cellar before it can match up.
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4th Saturday group "uptown" tasting (Rick & Cris'): Dark youthful color with notes of black fruit, plums and chocolate. Tannic and firm, this needs some time. Plum, red berry and chocolate flavors. Guessed Napa Cab, but did not think it was a blend.
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Opened by Rich at 4th Saturday Group. Black and blue fruits with grippy tannins. Guessed Cal Cab - surprised how well this was drinking. Don't know how long it had been opened prior to tasting.
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Lovely nose full of black fruit. On the palate, this was elegant and lush, not overripe or overdone, but very balanced. Drinking well now, but will undoubtedly get better with time.
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As good an Insignia as I have ever had. Elegant and balanced. Had in a restaurant.....was not decanted, but was open for most of an hour. It did not seem to improve through dinner, which would raise the question of whether it will improve from here. Since, it was great, I am a drinker now.
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(Blind Home Wine Tasting of '03,'04,'05 and '06 Insignia) My third place, but the favorite of one educated palate. Complex, with a lingering finish. Berries and cherry fruit. Probably at its peak, but may last another couple of years.
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Absolutely a yes. Despite the quantity produced and the wide availability of this wine, it delivers in just about every vintage on a consistent scale of 92-96 pts. Dark creme de cassis, plum, dark rock, chocolate, black flowers. The palate is rich and sexy. The mid palate is ripe and voluptuous. Great finish. A stylish Napa Cab that is worth the price when you can find it slightly marked down. Grip that is well integrated, no heat whatsoever but lots of weighty delicious fruit. Awesome wine.
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Fantastic Insignia. Rich, deep, cherry. Decanted for an hour before drinking which may have been not quite long enough. Tasted too much alcohol. Even after decanting it needed to swirl in glass a little which helped it open. Overall fantastic wine. Needs decanting and be prepared to aerate.
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Great wine. I drank it a week after the 2002. Both are great, the 2002 is just an amplification. Red fruit, lots of oak, big wine. This isn't quite ready, probably another couple of years.
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Decanted for 3 hours which may not be necessary if you want more punch but works fine if you want more elegance. This was silky and smooth with good red currant acidity at the core and darker stone fruits. Great length with power and finesse simultaneously. A delight with duck breast!
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- Purple color. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Polished texture with a long finish - Excellent wine. Long finish and drinking very well now - Superbowl Sunday.
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Fantastic evolution after 10 years, shows deep purple in glass (no hint of bricking) with at clear rim, rich aromas of black cherry, black currant that flow to palate, adding dark chocolate and a hint of smoke, sweet ripe tannins, and a long mouthwatering finish. Put this one with me on a desert island.
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I let this breathe for 2 hours and it was great. Not good on the second day. Drank with a few dishes, but really needed the lamb to support this body. This wine does not disappoint.
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This was the best bottle of wine I've had in 2012. Big big fruit but with just enough acidity and tannins to keep it in line while going on for a long time. Something else too, some spice and leather and maybe a hint of a good cigar. Was bold when I poured a small taste at opening, but after decanting 1+ hour had with beef tenderloin and went to a new level. Don't get the lack of respect, these can go for years (the 98 last year was excellent)
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Opened (not decanted) about 90 minutes before tasting at a Christmas party. Underwhelming. Nothing wrong, but nothing right, either. Poured another glass about an hour later, and it had improved significantly. Still not a world-beater, particularly in this price range. Nice nose, with hints of eucalyptus. Plenty of spice on the palate. Medium body, with a decent (not great) finish. Refined and elegant, but nothing to write home about. I've observed that tasting notes since mid-2012 have been much less positive than notes from 2011 and early 2012. It might be in a dumb phase, so I'm going to wait a year or so before trying my one remaining bottle.
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Popped and poured. OK, definite JP Insignia nose, finished lacked a bit. Might agree this is close to mature(d). Got it? Drink up. Good, but not like the 05,06, 07 or 08.
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I must have had a bad bottle. I decanted it properly and it was not skunked but there was no depth of flavor and ZERO finish. Very disappointing. I'll try my other bottle at some point to see if Insignia is actually worth the hype and cost.
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Great bottle of wine. Classic Napa cabernet that is drinking well, but will get better. Two guests at dinner said "wow" without knowing what it was. Complex and subtle nose. Austere on the palate. Vanilla and caramel on finish.
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Loosened up some since last time. Nose of chocolate and berry liqueur, the palate is full bodied with mouth coating fruits highlighting darker berries, some cedar notes and some tobacco. A bit of a black peppery hint keeps things interesting. This might have been the best bottle of 03 I had and unfortunately my last one.
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Smoke, black pepper and kirsch. A hint of leather. The palae is medium weight with nice dark and red fruits, a hint of oak still, a dusty presence and a long finish that dries out in the end. Very good, elegant wine at this point.
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Decanted two hours. Nice ripe Napa styling on the nose. Creme de cassis, dark and milky chocolate nibs, purple flowers and a fair dose of spice on the back end. The palate is rich and shows nice big fruit that's right in your face. The finish came across a bit hot and I think, as well as everyone else, there could have been more balance. This may have gone into a slightly dumb phase; I think this needs at least five to seven more years to come into its own. It was difficult drinking this after the subtle Bordeaux-esque 1991 Mondavi Reserve Cab.
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Great Bordeaux-like blend. Everything has integrated nicely since I last had it 3-4 years ago. It is ready to drink now but will probably last another few years.
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Pop up and pour. nose explosive of caramel, butter, red cherries, praline. Mouth very powerful in the fruit and fine in the structure and the tannins. Mouth long of equally mixed : coffee, blackberries, cherry, tiramisu,caramel and cream. Quite heavy finally. It is a big thick cake ! Very well made for big people and big sauce dish in winter. I drunk only a glass to stay comfortable with this great American wine (actually two). Thanks Cpt cutlass.
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We let it breath for 30 minutes, then drank over the next hour or two without much change. Very good wine that is probably ready to drink now. Fans of well made, structured, complex wines will like this. Not over the top fruit, but well balanced.
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Contrary to the notes posted, there's no need to decant. The fruit & oak stream out from the pull of the cork. Great on its on own, can hold up to most fare. WOTN.
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Opened and decanted for 2 hrs. Nose had black fruit and lots of it. Tastes of black fruit and maybe a bit of spice or licorice. Finish lingered on the tongue for a while.
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this a great wine. Dark Red in the glass with strong legs. I had read the other notes and we did let it breath for almost 2 hours to a point the nose had nice arouma of berrys for sure and some oak or spice.... nice in the mouth velvety and rich like most Insignia. I don't see this geting a lot better.. I think it is a drink now or in the next 18 months.
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Wineglas and rocknroller are right, it needs air at this stage. 2-3 hrs in my book to let the green subside and let that mocha-laden cassis with cherries come to the fore.
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High End Cabernets $100 plus: Nice showing. Dark in color. Big fruit on the nose along with herbs, olives, spice and cranberry. On the palate it picks up a little heat which blew off quick. Good concentration and medium finish. Decanted around 4 hours and needed all of that.
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Hi-End Cabs/Bordeaux Blends Offline, Blind ($100+) (Minneapolis): Very dark red color, inky. 3.5 hr decant. The nose has oak, black fruits, blueberry, cassis, herbs, and the earth emerges later. The palate is thick and chewy, lush black fruits, with firm but integrated tannins, layers of fruit and a medium finish. This was somewhat tight and got better over another 2 hours in the glass to get to this point. 93+pts.
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impressive as always. decanted for 1.5 hours and enjoyed over the next 2.5. very soft, and delicate with a wonderful balance. maybe not as complex as other insignias but a really nice wine. enjoyed with kathy at Herons, great with the Lamb
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Opened along with a Chateau Malescot St. Exupery. I served the two bottles side by side for my guest. Dinner was an excellent and peppery grilled steak. The guests loved both wines, but there was a slight preference for the Insignia. Wish I had the money to drink these wines on a regular basis. Great evening, with great friends and great wines.
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A nice elegant wine, good with food. Less fruit (particularly in comparison with the '06 Caymus Special Select we drank first) than some, but pleasant flavors -- maybe a bit of heirloom tomato.
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Really rich and showy. Very layered with a incredibly creamy texture. A gorgeous wine that is refined and deftly balanced. Not as strong a some other Insignia vintages, but a very solid and well crafted wine. Looking forward to drinking another.
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Drank tonight with beef tenderloin. Dark purple with a brick rim. Nose was a bit oaky at first, but nice dark fruit emerged with a little time. Wonderful ripe palate with blueberry, currant, menthol, graphite, licorice, and espresso. Amazing length. Focused acidity. Supple tannins. Really drinking well
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Amazing wine! Took to El Gaucho and decanted immediately. A bit tight at first but after an hour it blossomed into this stunning wine with layers of black currant, black cherry, anise, tobacco leaf and cedar. The mid palate was voluptuous and velvety with just the right amount of tannin grip and the finish lingered almost endlessly with lovely acidity. This is clearly one of the best wines of the year.
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Insignia vertical, Genka Wine Fair Initially this was not as impressive as the 2004, but with time it gained in complexity and depth and was the unexpected winner of the tasting, although upon its release it did not receive as much critical acclaim as the rest of the vintages. Less ripe fruit than the 2004, but much more complexity and finesse: plum, liquorice, hints of leather, some minerality and cedar. Delivering more and more as it opened in the glass. Even better on the palate, were everything was just in the right level: rich fruit, silky tanins and balancing acidity. Very long finish. I bet this will improve over the next 5 years.
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Brought to our annual Chaine picnic; popped and poured. Notes of black cherry, cassis, spice and licorice. Medium to full bodied, with loads of fruit, an opulent texture, good delineation, and a rather heady finish.
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The fill was into the neck and the cork was pristine; opened about one hour prior to service. Aromas of black fruits, licorice, and spice. Lacking a bit in terms of texture -- not as velvety as I had hoped -- but still a solid wine.
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Saturday Tasting Group (Knightsbridge Wine Shop (Northbrook, IL)): This wine has really blossomed into a winner. Nice cherries, raspberries, other medium light red fruit. Some pretty red flowers - rose petals. Light spice characteristics, but just pure clean fruit all the way through. Consistent with past tasting notes, the bottling is really feminine in style with no rough edges whatsoever. A long round finish. Screams culty California Cabernet blend. Smooth sweet tannins, with everything in harmony. Really nice grip on the back end. A complete wine.
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Seamless and very velvety in texture. Nice length and dark fruit concentration. New oak evident but with this kind of concentration it works well. Decanted only 1 hour before which was fine. Great with Corsican specialty "Figatelli"! Will keep for years thanks to the density and concentration but I don't regret drinking it now since it is so smooth.
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Consumed with light Mediterranean fare - this wine never lets me down! Decanted for three hours - wonderful aromas and developed into several layers on the palette. Well integrated wine with a medium finish. The wine left our dinner party wanting for more...
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Very nice. Drank before we opened an Opus 2006. Opus is very good but the Insignia was better. Not a fair comparison I know. Smooth with a great long finish.
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Popped, left open in the cellar for a couple of hours, then consumed over 2. This really isn't my cup of tea anymore, but my dinner companions enjoyed it. Very one dimensional, all fruit, little acidity.
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Very sexy, intoxicating nose of smoke, toasty oak and dark currants. In the mouth, Nicely integrated with raspberry, cassis, toasty oak and some fine grained tannins on the finish. Had this next to the 2003 Caymus Special Select and the Insignia was way better hands down. This has some room for slight improvement, but there is no need to hold on to it now because its in a great window.
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Due to 'indecision' we had taste off between this wine and a 2002 Sequoia Grove Semper V which we believe is a comparable bottle. Decanted both for an hour and both stood their ground quite well with great colors and flavors. When it came to the meal (Lamb Chops, Haricot Vert, Potatoes Dauphinois) we thought the Semper V was a bit better at cutting thru the fats than the Insignia. Both good bottles and remain our two favorites.
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A nice 2007 Rhone and an over-oaked Insignia: What's a poor boy to do? My aversion to grainy toasty oak and over-ripeness has gotten much worse. Is the trend for Insignia? I remember older bottles{ 1994-1997} as usually having a little match-stick and dark fruits and sometimes a little scorched earth, but I remember loving them for their pure fruit, long finishes and wonderful balance. Never do I remember this heavy handed oakiness. The 2007 St Cosme Hominis Fides that I had together with this wine blew it away.
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took to ruth chris after decanting. cherry, alcohol laden fruit bomb with decent tannin and strong long lasting after taste. while decent paired with a steak, the fruit is a bit too strong for my taste and reminds me almost of a new world or zinfandel. the fruit are very good but lacks complexity. seems best between 1.5 hr to 2.5 hr after decanting
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Tiene un olor exquisito y profundo a madera desde lejos, se aprecia mås por la nariz que por el paladar. aunque tiene un sabor a cherry ahumada. tiene mucho cuerpo, se crece cuando se acompaña con una carne de res termino medio. Lo abrî solo por media hora y me gustø mucho su desempeño. lo bebî en un restaurant el precio muy caro para el vino.
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After a three hour decant, potpourri aromas developed on the nose. Which was the most interesting thing about this blend. This was fairly ordinary in the mouth. Typical, and didn't really stand out. I'll give this six months before trying another. The Cortes De Cima was the WOTN, and it only cost $20. (89+?)
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Started out with nose of berry and oak. Mouthfeel was medium to full bodied, and wine had hints of sage and green pepper on the palate, with fruit involved, and a somewhat short finish. Good, but alongside its brothers the 02, 04, and 05, it was weak.
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Popped and poured, shared with Don and Tracy in celebration of Don's birthday with a great meal at Cavaillon. Elegant, dusty, impeccably balanced, nuanced, complex. An incredible bottle of wine. As Don put it, "this is the grand cru of California" and he couldn't be more right.
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Gorgeous. Deep and rich. Opaque in the glass. Notes of graphite, blackberries, and lots of classic leather and tobacco. Palate is generous and rich while remaining very elegant and almost feminine in character. This is is the 'Queen' of California Cult Cabs. It is refined, layered and complex with pristine of finesse.
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inky purple in color. we decanted for about an hour before we drank. Currant, cassis and a little bit of cherry. a nice, lingering, classy finish that was not overwhelming and somewhat subtle. After about two hours out of the bottle however the wine seemed to have peaked and started to degrade a little. That was a little disappointing but all-in-all a very enjoyable bottle.
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I can't believe I've never left a tasting note for this great bottle of wine. My wife and I served this as the first bottle of a long evening with some good friends. Should have saved it for the meal of New York Steak, Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Bread. It did well by itself but would have paired perfectly with the dinner. This is a rich dark purple pour. It almost glistens in the glass it is so pristine. The nose has some sweet oak, spice, currants or cassis (you choose I can’t), and my dad’s old pipe. I know you have a winner when everyone moans at the first sip. Even my wife who is not a big Bordeaux fan tolerate a sip of this. In the mouth, a jammyness and slight hint of citrus or marmalade, a honeyish taste but really big. Without food this wine takes on a life of its own. I am proud to have a few of these.
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L'Evento Angelo Gaja (Parco dei Principi, Rome): Purple/black, dense, opaque. On nose, giant fruit -- ripe, extracted, candied, syrupy-sweetness; vanilla liqueur, cotton candy; very intense. On palate, super-concentration of ripe plums and berries, low acidity, moderate level of ripe/smooth tannins, high alcohol. Soft, round, rich, fat, long and complex. Two years in new French oak, according to Gaja, yet it was so subtle in its oakiness; its only subtlety. Gaja called this the John Wayne of wines. No rating; I never got John Wayne.
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The Insignia surprised me, considering it wasn't decanted and probably only opened 2+ hours before we got to it. As you mentioned I thought it was surprisingly elegant. Coffee, red fruits and hints of oak dominated the nose for me. It did seem a little thin in the mid palate, but overall I thought it was drinking great.
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Brought my own bottle to a Brazilian steak house where copious amounts of red meat grace your plate every few minutes. My initial impressions were thin, short, and unsatisfactory. After a 1/2 hour in the bottle it seemed to open up a bit with sweet red fruit and mild oak. By the last few glasses this had evolved to an enjoyable Insignia albeit no comparison to the 02'. I've had much better for less, Verite La Joie comes to mind. Overall this wine stood up to the meat and made the meal an all around success. Seemed to match best with the spit roasted garlic top sirloin although my food obsessions are a compeletly different issue.
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Restaurant purchase at reasonable price. However the quallity of the 2003 is either not there or will take time to develop what is hidden today. Nice tannins, albeit in a chalky state. Great blackberry and lush fruit, just not the depth of character you expect from an Insignia. And they raised the price for the 2004 by a 1/3?
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Quick taste at WF OB from an unfinished decanter. After three hours the flavors were fully developed. Yet, it still lacked the complexity I expect out of this wine.
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Deep purple color, with blue hues. It is still young. Warm nose with red ripe fruits (curranrts, cherry, plum, licorice). Also a scent of menthol. Tarry background. The palate is layered with sweet notes of currants and cherry jam. Very opulent and spicy, with round and sweet tannins. Full-bodied with medium acidity. The aftertaste lasts about 30 sec. Everything here is balanced. A "politicaly correct" New World wine. It would like to be a great Bordeaux, but lacks of soul...
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Wildfire Wine Ambassador Kobrand Dinner (Ditka's Restaurant - Oak Brook, IL): Kobrand Wine Dinner @ Ditka's in Oakbrook. Poured without decanting. Tasted fairly closed for the time. Bright berries with very FLORAL notes. Smooth and elegant on the palate with hints of sage and leather. Definitely needs some time in the bottle - at least another five years. This was many's WOTN; I preferred the Tribute to the Insignia by a point thanks to its more round and balanced mouth feel.
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Decanter New World Fine Wine Encounter (The Landmark Hotel, London): A step up from the Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, this is supremely concentrated, tannic and structured but at present an austere wine. Probably approachable with food but that would be a waste. Very young but surely destined to be great when it comes together. £100 per bottle.
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The thrid bottle in a three bottle progression, from a light French Corton Charlemange to a Chambelle Musiginey Burgandy to this Insignia. This bottle did not match as well with our light French fare. It over powered the entre's. It was a great bottle, but much better on a different day, a different setting a different meal. Lesson learned - listen to the professional!
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Sonoma Whites and Napa reds (Farpointe Cellar): This wine was really good. The nose had raspberry and plum, plus some clove, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. The palate had raspberry and spice, plus a bit of oak, cloves, and some plum. The tannins were firm and it had a good long finish.
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Better than I remember, a little green still, but with soft, velvety flavors. Described as a fruit bomb, with lush forward flavors of berry, cassis, and juicy fruit. Moderate finish and well integrated, vanilla oak flavors.
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Tobbacoy and oakey with a bit of an edge. Not bad. Decanted it for an hour then consumed with lamb rubbed with Seekh Kabab rub which mellowed it a bit. A bit more time in the bottle will help, but we had to try it.
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Opened and sat for 30 mins prior to drinking. Deep red crimson color with crushed red fruit and maybe a little smoke or toast on the nose. Palate still showing very young with a little tannic edge to it but it does mellow out with some time in the glass. A little bit of oak showing though as well and the finish is quite long. Excellent wine with a lot of potential.
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About how I remember it from the winery. This is austere for an Insignia, with restrained fruit, and tannins that while soft, are unusually present for an Insignia. Not as good as the 02 or 04, but a delightful bottle nonetheless.
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5 year Insignia vertical blind tasting. This selected blindly as the WOTN. Most thought it was the 2002. Sorry Mr Parker, but tasted side by side with the others, this was the most expressive and enjoyable bottle of the bunch.
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overall a bit of a disappointment. Medium bodied with a lovely soft, fruit filled noise....and you get exactly that and not more. blackberry, chocolate and a bit of jammy cassis front to it--the finish is without much complexity and rather short. All in all, perfectly pleasant and not a bad winer, but less than what you might expect given the provenance (and price)
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A very young wine with a lot of alochol on the nose. Decanted for almost an hour and the wine was okay. As others have noted, a disappointment compared to 2002. This is not a wine ready to drink for at least three years. IMHO
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Wine Spectator Grand Tasting (Marriott Hotel, San Francisco, CA): Complex nose of black fruits, graphite, earth and a touch of leather. Not as lush or balanced as the Great 2002. Tasted a bit out of balance. So many other great wines that I found this a bit disappointing considering its price.
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This was at a tasting, so there is no way I can rate this wine. Dark purple color. It had been decanted for about an hour and a half. Huge vanillan oak dominated the nose and finish of this wine for me. This wine wasn't integrated at all. While it was definately a solid wine, Phelps had raised the price to the point that nothing less then an amazing wine should be expected. It remains to be seen what happens with this vintage. I would be surprised to see it pass the low 90's, though.
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Tasted at the winery. Complex nose of black fruits, sweet licorice, and graphite. On the palate, this wine exhibits lush flavors of dark fruits, raspberry ganache, beets, and mineral. Very intense and very young. A very good wine, but given all the attention of the 2002, I found it a bit disappointing.
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4/7/2024 - Gregmonroe wrote:
So I bought a cellar; 11/12/2022-12/31/2030: Brought to a restaurant in St. Barth, along with the 2002. Popped both and poured. Big nose of red fruit; poured a deep dark red. No bricking that I could tell. Soft tannins on the palate, and plush, velvety texture. But a little be thinner than the 2002. Both had very similar profiles. Delicious. 30th Anniversary bottling.
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2/24/2024 - philweird Likes this wine: 95 Points
Wow. Still amazing after a 2-3 hour decant. Has lots of life ahead as the fruit was nowhere near fading. My last bottle of that vintage. Insignia rarely disappoints and can be the best California offers.
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11/18/2023 - RBaird wrote:
To St John for Thanksgiving Nov 2023
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5/18/2023 - up4wine wrote: 90 Points
a bit too much oak for my taste.
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2/2/2023 - WoodieBayArea wrote: 92 Points
good Insignia typicity, but slightly on the heavier side, dark fruit, good acidity for lift (even of weighed down by the body)...decanted at noon and then had at 6pm bday party, few were trying this wine for the first few hours then suddenly it went like hotcakes... recommend at least 6, more likely 8-10 hours of air at this point... very good but best at the end of the night
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1/23/2023 - dfcrutcher Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still drinking well. Not one of the denser Insignia's, but still very nice. Good age notes with muted fruit. Probably on a slow downslope, but no hurry to drink.
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12/31/2022 - que syrah syrah Likes this wine:
Have to agree with other tasters, excellent now, don’t see this getting substantially better over the next 3 - 5 years.
Opened and decanted about 45 minutes. First taste upon opening was good but not impressive. After 45 minutes, excellent and impressive; smooth, rounded with lots of complexity and kept improving over time, just didn’t last long enough (the wine, not the flavors). Had with grilled ribeye and baked potato and 70% dark chocolate for dessert.
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11/14/2022 - The Andrews Likes this wine: 93 Points
Ripe prune when opened. Decanted. Better balanced at 45 min. Not a lot of obvious tannin but did have structure. Extremely enjoyable with food. Not a blockbuster wine. Probably not going to improve. Put half the bottle in a 375 immediately and the wine didn’t change the next day.
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7/10/2022 - phandley66 wrote: 93 Points
Similar to last bottle. Drinking well. Lots of dark fruit, chocolate notes. Long finish. Would not wait on this, drink now. Very rounded out wine, no sharp edges! I don’t expect this to improve
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4/17/2022 - phandley66 wrote: 95 Points
Drinking really well. Very elegant nose of fruit and vanilla. Lots of oak, but also showing lots of black fruit and vanilla. Seems to be at peak now. Drink over next two years.
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2/28/2022 - owr Likes this wine: 90 Points
(February 28, 2021)... This one starts off a little leathery, but there is also a definite fruity nature that is underlying within that leatheriness. Plenty of dark fruit almost jammy as it opens, and that palate is silky smooth with just a hint of tannin. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and Malbec and Merlot take 3% each.
After only a half hour or so it shows lots of delicious dark fruits: cassis, black cherry and even a smoky note that starts to emerge. Thankfully, I decided not to decant, as CellarTracker folks said I should; by decanting I would have stripped everything interesting and appealing away from this wine. Drink from bottle within the secondary vessel, if you insist on decanting only decant a little bit to see the difference.
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1/23/2022 - theelvoid Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for 2 hrs and it could have used a bit more. The nose was black fruits and herbs. Enjoyed over 3 hours and it never really softens. Black cherry and plums on the palate, firm tannins but still very alcohol forward. I think this still bas quite a few years of aging potential. I’ll wait a year for the next bottle.
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12/31/2021 - bsclemson wrote: 95 Points
Red fruit, leather on the nose. Very smooth on the palate. Black cherry, raspberry, hint of chocolate, leather. Soft tannins. Long finish. This wine has not peaked and can lay longer.
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12/4/2021 - Darwine Likes this wine: 96 Points
One of the older Insignias i have. The wine aged well and was delicious! Nose of some spice and tobacco and dark fruit mostly black cherry and currant. Mouth had a nice feel to it with tingling tannins and acidity. The dark fruit came thru nicely and blended well the tannins and left over acidity. Nice long finish with the tannins holding it long.
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8/22/2021 - rgawlowski wrote: 92 Points
A very nice wine, but nowhere near the depth and fortitude of some of the earlier vintages; very nice fruit, medium everything else; tannins gone.
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7/15/2021 - jhornung Likes this wine:
Great Wine.
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2/11/2021 - Still Bubbly wrote: 95 Points
Layered with aromas of blackberries, black cherries, anise, dark chocolate and coffee. The aromas and flavors are framed by mouth-coating tannins and followed by an extremely long finish.
BLEND AND GRAPE SOURCES
84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 3% Malbec from 87% estate & 13% grower vineyards: 31% Banca Dorada Vineyard (Rutherford), 23% Home Ranch Vineyard (St. Helena), 20% Las Rocas Vineyard and 10% Barboza Vineyard (Stags Leap), 3% Yountville Vineyard (Oak Knoll) and 13% Coombsville and St. Helena growers
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1/31/2021 - davidb18 Likes this wine: 96 Points
The best of CA Cabernet. Shows no sign of fading. A nose of berries and spice. Still has noticeable but not dominant acidity and tannin. Smooth, elegant with oak, spice and a balanced richness. Some sediment lining the wine glass. Excellent.
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12/31/2020 - MichielV wrote: flawed
Corked - aargh
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12/26/2020 - Blake Pedersen Likes this wine: 93 Points
Finally opened this bottle and as others mentioned, there is more risk of cork damage than the wine being too mature. If you feel your bottles safely corked, this wine should cellar nicely for a few more years.
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11/15/2020 - Sine Qua Ben Likes this wine: 91 Points
Not as good as the 06 and 07 that I’ve had, but still very solid. Needs at least 2 hour decant. It really didn’t open up until around hour 3 or 4.
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10/21/2020 - hfindlay Likes this wine:
Drank over three days, paired mostly with a homemade beef stew. Good idea, because this is still a huge, profound wine that needs red meat or stinky cheese for balance. Day one: too much oak, closed. Needed more decanting. Day two, I started to get burnt sage on the nose, alongside leather and all the ripe blueberry, blackberry, café mocha, and cassis you’d expect from a Napa cab of this stature. Full bodied, weighty on the palate, suppler tannins, so satisfying. Day three, total integration, aromas of menthol, fennel, pine needles, black fruit, chocolate jumping out of the glass. A fruit-forward, mouth-coating texture, beef blood (or was that my stew?), and a long, surprisingly juicy finish. I love how this wine changed so much over time.
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10/12/2020 - Tonyboons33 Likes this wine: 92 Points
I'm a huge fan of Insignia. Unfortunately with this bottle the cork deteriorated pretty easily after I attempted to remove. After a couple filtrations determined the wine was still fine thankfully. Drank the best within 45 min of opening, after that it started to fade towards the end. Bottle may have been slightly flawed but still very enjoyable. If you're holding, I would drink soon.
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10/3/2020 - markcic Likes this wine: 95 Points
Drinking awesome at 17 years old and I honestly believe it has at least another 10-15 to go. The nose was dark berry and hints of mocha. The palate was dark berries, plums, tobacco, raw meat and mocha. The finish was long and smooth. Sadly my only bottle.
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7/31/2020 - greedy wrote: 98 Points
About as good as they come. Fantastic aroma. Tannins out of this world. Beautiful red fruit with lots of acidity. This is as good as any Bordeaux I’ve had. Too bad they charge $300 Canadian for their new vintages
I paid less than 250 Canadian for this and that’s a steal. Wow what a wind
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5/27/2020 - Lion King Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still drinking beautifully.
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5/16/2020 - jyensan wrote: 93 Points
My last one. Still drinking well and should for a couple years. Sad they’re all gone.
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3/28/2020 - BevandGeoff Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very cool to taste this develop quickly over a couple of hours while drinking First wine for us to change over a shorter time. Drink soon.
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2/2/2020 - dfcrutcher Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautiful wine with soft tannins and full mouthfeel. Drinking at its peak.
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1/19/2020 - retired_and_roving wrote:
Poured to decanter and served. This came across a bit riper and more stewed fruit, than I would expect from the Insignia. Black and blue fruits, somewhat macerated, dark chocolate, tannins resolved some heat from the alcohol.
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1/4/2020 - Nswalls Likes this wine: 91 Points
Smoky mocha undertones, cab franc or pv really takes hold of the back end. Pleasant tannins, still has room to grow, but not more than 5 years.
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10/25/2019 - The Raven Likes this wine: 91 Points
Always a great rich wine
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7/4/2019 - Meriwether wrote: 93 Points
Elegent wine, everything you'd expect from a Phelps. Drink sooner than later.
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6/23/2019 - Bachus Maling Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drank this at Snake's 70th surprise birthday party. It was amazing paired with braised short ribs. I agree with other reviews, drink up in the next 18 months.
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6/4/2019 - vin43 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Balanced, good fruit & perfect to drink
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5/25/2019 - chiefilliniboy Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine looks garnet colored. The legs are slow. There is moderate sediment in the bottle. The body is medium/full. The wine has satin-like texture. The wine finishes medium. drink within a year I would say.
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3/17/2019 - bigbass250 wrote:
did not disappoint though a little sediment
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11/25/2018 - davidb18 Likes this wine: 94 Points
excellent, well aged California cab. nuts, minerals, vanilla, mature fruit, spice. Great wine. drink up now.
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4/29/2018 - aerosol wrote: 95 Points
Opened last night next to a Backus of the same year and the comparison was stark. The 100% CS Backus was austere in comparison and the Insignia was like a fruit bomb in a side x side tasting. This wine has youth in it with the dark cherry, cassis, blackberry notes and some dark chocolate on the palette. It was decanted for 2 hours so the nose had diminished light oak and earth. This was a crowd pleaser so I hope you enjoy your bottle.
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4/26/2018 - bsclemson wrote: 95 Points
Big fruit aroma. Great legs. Beautiful soft tannins. Dark cherry, berry fruit and slight chocolate flavor. Long finish suggesting it can lay down a lot longer.
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4/12/2018 - Brett wrote: 96 Points
Simply fantastic! Still tons of life in this big wine!!
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12/26/2017 - VlgJeff wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Very nice aromas of flowers and dark red fruits. These followed on to the palate along with blue fruits, well integrated tannins, a touch of cedar and earth, and perfectly balancing acidity. A very well made, and well developed wine that showcases what a winemaker can do in a questionable vintage. Should hold for several years.
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12/26/2017 - Stevere Likes this wine: 95 Points
Drinking well right now, it is intense and dense. Flavors are balanced between dark fruits, grilled meat, and a hint of chocolate.
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12/20/2017 - Brett wrote: 96 Points
Wonderful wine!!
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9/19/2017 - Brett wrote: 96 Points
The 03 seems to be getting better and better!
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7/30/2017 - Winokdub wrote: 92 Points
Pours blackish dark. Excellent nose. Nice cedar tobacco and dark fruit with a decent dose of tannin. Nice lingering finish. Even better an hour plus in the bottle. Still in the early part of its drinking window.
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2/16/2017 - redknife Likes this wine: 93 Points
with the group
no formal notes
good but not great
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12/31/2016 - Bcw1989 wrote: 92 Points
Still in great shape! Had with NYE meal of seafood. Dark inky look to it. Nose still still full of ripe fruits. Tastes of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, with a hint of smoke. Beginning to change to a garnet color after about two hours opened. Tannins were still present but not overpowering. This wine still has some great years of cellaring and should be even more integrated in a few more years. Still some left in the bottle. Wonder how it will be the next day?
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12/25/2016 - Cs413 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very good! Aged well.
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11/30/2016 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great wine. However, I still think this one needs to be drunk soon.
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11/6/2016 - KenPlace wrote: 93 Points
Tasted in a flight of 93/95/97/03/05/08/09. This showed very well in this flight. A little heat on the back end, and with tannins still to completely resolve. Some sweetness, but overall a great showing
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9/3/2016 - la turque wrote: 94 Points
Consistent notes. Drinking beautifully with a good couple of hours in the decanter.
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7/26/2016 - Paradigm Media Likes this wine: 93 Points
Celebrated my Sister in Law's 50th. We miss her very much.
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7/13/2016 - ddingley Likes this wine: 96 Points
Had this a few times over the last 5 years and improved every time. WOTN with some stellar competition. Fruit, leather, fine cigar, smooth, long long long. If this is a bad year, can't wait to try some of my other Insignias from later vintages. But I should because these guys peak at 10+ years and stay there a long while
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5/24/2016 - jacodav wrote: 98 Points
Excellent wine which opened up after an hour to even greater heights.
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5/13/2016 - jonanator wrote: 93 Points
Still going strong
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4/27/2016 - AlexHop Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice but a little mouth drying.
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4/1/2016 - ProfBainbridge Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted and allowed to breathe for about 45 minutes. Continued to improve with additional time in the decanter during dinner. Well integrated. Soft silky tannins. Lingering finish. Oak. Plums. Currants. Smoke. Slightly sour blackberry on the finish. Good match for filet mignon and new potatoes.
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3/31/2016 - cabber wrote: 93 Points
Cabernet Tasting 2001 - 2007 (Manhattan Beach, CA): Not over the top, but very nice. Soft tannins, balanced. At its peak now and for few years.
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3/5/2016 - jonanator wrote: 93 Points
Still very good but a little more reserved this time around. I think the fruit may be starting to fade or is just integrating better. There was still plenty of fruit, but just felt more restrained in comparison to previous bottles. Nose wasnt quite as expressive either. The wine has lost some of the riper characteristics that it used to exhibit like the stewed and pruney flavours - as a results, I think I may have enjoyed this bottle the most so far. Still a big wine and will hold for a while, but I definitely think this wine is at peak.
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2/18/2016 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 94 Points
No decant. Open for 45 minutes. Spectacular. Drinking very well. The pro reviewers say this one will be good for another decade. They might be correct, but it is hard to see how this one will get better from where it is right now. I have one bottle left.......I am not going to drink it right away, but will not let it sit and sit.
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1/16/2016 - jonanator wrote: 93 Points
Best bottle yet. For my palate, it's in the perfect place right now. Beautifully integrated with soft velvety tannins. Enough acidity to balance the huge fruit on the palate. Slightly pruney and raisiny but still enjoyable. Not the best vintage but it is a job well done by Phelps. Should hold for many years.
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12/30/2015 - farinas Likes this wine: 95 Points
This is a stellar Insignia just beginning to show its age but full of strength and vigor. Bouquet is complex and bold with an ensuing palate dense with fresh fruit flavor and soft spices. The finish is medium long with dense tannins that sustain the notes. Excellent stuff.
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12/9/2015 - Nekodab wrote: 96 Points
Quality well made. Decanted for 30 minutes daink half the bottle had second-half 24 hours later, Even better Second night
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8/27/2015 - la turque wrote: 94 Points
Dark colour, almost black. Thick and viscous in the glass. Delightful aromas of red and black fruits, cumin, spices and vanilla. Deliciously decadent on the palate, with unctuous body and a very long finish. Delightful.
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8/25/2015 - jonanator wrote: 93 Points
As delicious as ever. Holding strong with plenty of life ahead.
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8/23/2015 - jonwill Likes this wine: 94 Points
Drinking very nicely but still has a lot of legs...surprisingly abundant ripe fruit with an extremely long finish. Drink or hold!
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8/22/2015 - psusfca Likes this wine: 93 Points
We really enjoyed it. Has plenty of fruit left. We decanted for 3 hours. It went gorgeously with Filet Mignon Diane. Another well done Insignia. I would wish that Phelps would dial back the alcohol on recent releases but doubt that is happening as the Parker scores are keeping it dialed up.
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8/4/2015 - Bcw1989 wrote: 92 Points
This wine was Coravined back in February, and wanted to see how the Coravin system treats wine over time. This still had all of the characteristics of a freshly opened bottle of wine. Deep dark look to it, with notes of leather, tobacco and the usual red fruits. Finish was nice and long. Paired with steak and it really went well with food. Not the best Insignia I have had, but it is still got some life to it.
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7/25/2015 - Wine Gombie wrote: 82 Points
Decanted for 4 ½ hours
Color: Deep purple inki-ness with clear edges.
Nose: Black raspberries, little bit of mint, herbaceous like you’re in a field.
Taste: She Batted her eyelashes, maybe not so good; okay not much there. Hollow with limited fruit edges bound together with alcohol. Nothing to it. Glad we’re drinking it now. Our humble opinion says, this is probably way past its prime. Pop it and drink it, do not decant. Overall; it was ok.
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7/18/2015 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
This is a great wine, but it was a bit overshadowed by a 2000 Colgin TH. Came across as just a bit more heavy and less light on its feet. Nice fruit and spice characteristics, but not the same acidity to create the balance. Still, delicious wine and paired very nicely with a steak.
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7/17/2015 - Night Train Likes this wine: 92 Points
My last bottle. Supposedly well past its peak, but it was just fine (although i wouldn't recommend holding any bottles much longer). Pretty much what I had expected - beautiful nose, silky smooth, rich, great finish, yadda, yadda, yadda. However, it didn't even come close to "exciting". Very good wine, but it didn't (doesn't) justify its extravagant price tag.
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7/5/2015 - jonanator wrote: 93 Points
Another awesome showing. Great wine!
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6/3/2015 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
Opened and decanted for a few hours before serving. Drank right after a '98 Luce and originally the stark difference in styles made this wine feel a bit over the top and quite honestly jammy. That faded a bit with some time and then it was just that wonderful ripe blackberry that I appreciate in an Insignia and a touch of the earth and overall a very approachable and lovely wine.
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5/7/2015 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
John comes to town! (Amali (115 E 60th Street, NY, NY)): For me up there with the 1992 Montelena Estate for the WOTN and I think if this had a few more years it would have taken it. Seemed pretty young to me still. Very soft, good fruit, I'm looking forward to drinking ours (but thinking we may want to wait a few years). I suspect also the drinking window only going till 2019 is incorrect - this prob had another 10 years at least in it.
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4/9/2015 - dharrison93 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drank with a friend over evening hors d'oeuvres following a brief decant..Still outstanding! Dark ruby with almost no sediment giving a brooding nose of dark fruit.
The fruit has decayed slightly, for the worse, yet still giving immense tasting pleasure with soft mouth feel and long, long finish.
Not much stuffing here so those of use who love these wines for their fruit should drink up soon
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3/30/2015 - sdezutti Likes this wine: 93 Points
Typical Insignia bouquet. Soft, evolved, pleasurable to drink.
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3/21/2015 - jonanator wrote: 92 Points
My palate was pretty fatigued by the time I got to this, but I still found this lovely. Can never get sick of insignia. Definitely one of my favorite Cali cabs.
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3/13/2015 - The Guzz wrote: 90 Points
Plump dark fruit. Spicy plum chocolate nose. Closed at first, takes about an hour to open. Sweet fruit, port like. Backbone eventually becomes evident. Should decant
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9/27/2014 - jonanator wrote: 93 Points
Had 2 bottles of this tonight and this was probably the best showing yet. Definitely in its early maturity and will drink well for many years to come. I don't really see this improving too much more and it really is delicious right now
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8/28/2014 - jonanator wrote: 91 Points
Had two bottles tonight and it seemed much more restrained than previous bottles. These just didnt show that well tonight, felt closed in comparison to a bottle I had several months ago. With that said, it was still delicious and showed the typical insignia aromas and flavours, just didnt have the same oomph.
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8/27/2014 - norsktorsk wrote: 93 Points
Mature. Not bricked. Long smooth finish. Big nose.
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6/28/2014 - JB&KB wrote: 92 Points
Held up well in the cellar. Still very dark in color. Still some tannins although very subtle. Big nose. Will hold my other bottle a couple more years. Decanted for about 30 minutes-day light was burning if you know what I mean. Drank on a Friday night with my wife KB after a full week of getting our asses kicked at work. Had with grilled rib eye and roasted taters and mushrooms. A good steak and a great cab-the perfect tonic for work related ailments.
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6/15/2014 - Trolson wrote: 94 Points
A truly luscious wine: smooth yet still full-bodied.
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5/30/2014 - mdp.blue Likes this wine: 94 Points
Elegant and balanced. As dark rich, silky Napa Cab as I have ever had. I decanted for three hours and then spent the next five hours enjoying this classy, most enjoyable wine. I not good on discerning different flavors so I'll leave that to other reviewers.
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5/10/2014 - zenithon wrote: 95 Points
We did an Insignia 2001, 2003 & 2007 vertical. This one was spectacular. It was about a 50/50 among the eight of us on whether the 01 or 03 was better. The 07 was great but everyone agreed that it needs more time in the cellar before it can match up.
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4/26/2014 - AllRed wrote: 93 Points
4th Saturday group "uptown" tasting (Rick & Cris'): Dark youthful color with notes of black fruit, plums and chocolate. Tannic and firm, this needs some time. Plum, red berry and chocolate flavors. Guessed Napa Cab, but did not think it was a blend.
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4/26/2014 - thelostverse wrote: 93 Points
Opened by Rich at 4th Saturday Group. Black and blue fruits with grippy tannins. Guessed Cal Cab - surprised how well this was drinking. Don't know how long it had been opened prior to tasting.
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4/19/2014 - handyb wrote:
Drank for munro's 75th birthday at Bruno's.
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4/7/2014 - jonanator wrote:
Lovely nose full of black fruit. On the palate, this was elegant and lush, not overripe or overdone, but very balanced. Drinking well now, but will undoubtedly get better with time.
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3/29/2014 - Burgundy Al wrote: 90 Points
Another Saturday at Knightsbridge - mostly blind (Northbrook, IL): Tasted double blind. Ripe, forward all black fruit with dark chocolate and some licorice. Good balance. Very good now.
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3/10/2014 - WineGuyFL Likes this wine: 94 Points
As good an Insignia as I have ever had. Elegant and balanced. Had in a restaurant.....was not decanted, but was open for most of an hour. It did not seem to improve through dinner, which would raise the question of whether it will improve from here. Since, it was great, I am a drinker now.
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2/19/2014 - jonanator wrote: 93 Points
Showed very nicely tonight
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2/4/2014 - jonanator wrote: 91 Points
Nose and palate was full of figs. Really felt like I was drinking liquid figs. Nice bottle nonetheless
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1/27/2014 - gew71walsh wrote: 92 Points
(Blind Home Wine Tasting of '03,'04,'05 and '06 Insignia) My third place, but the favorite of one educated palate. Complex, with a lingering finish. Berries and cherry fruit. Probably at its peak, but may last another couple of years.
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12/31/2013 - vinoceros wrote: 93 Points
Terrific wine. Cocoa, dark fruit, violets. Silky on the tongue, very well balanced, and fine, well-integrated tannins.
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9/19/2013 - beezer6 wrote: 94 Points
Absolutely a yes. Despite the quantity produced and the wide availability of this wine, it delivers in just about every vintage on a consistent scale of 92-96 pts.
Dark creme de cassis, plum, dark rock, chocolate, black flowers.
The palate is rich and sexy. The mid palate is ripe and voluptuous. Great finish.
A stylish Napa Cab that is worth the price when you can find it slightly marked down.
Grip that is well integrated, no heat whatsoever but lots of weighty delicious fruit. Awesome wine.
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9/7/2013 - bpittenger Likes this wine: 94 Points
Fantastic Insignia. Rich, deep, cherry. Decanted for an hour before drinking which may have been not quite long enough. Tasted too much alcohol. Even after decanting it needed to swirl in glass a little which helped it open. Overall fantastic wine. Needs decanting and be prepared to aerate.
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6/15/2013 - WinstonWolfe wrote: 85 Points
hot, monolithic and completely uninteresting. Bummer.
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6/2/2013 - Lulu2 wrote: 89 Points
Voc of petroleum..Berries.. Complex..
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6/2/2013 - Winevestor wrote: 93 Points
Great wine. I drank it a week after the 2002. Both are great, the 2002 is just an amplification. Red fruit, lots of oak, big wine. This isn't quite ready, probably another couple of years.
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5/26/2013 - Martinjbrand Likes this wine: 92 Points
the berry/fruit was a little too strong for my taste, i prefer a more restrained type of wine. very nice though still, seems ready to drink
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5/9/2013 - kgh wrote: 92 Points
Closed at first, then opened up after about an hour. Very well put together blend, finely balanced, with dark berry and coffee notes.
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4/7/2013 - Capt Cutlass Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 3 hours which may not be necessary if you want more punch but works fine if you want more elegance. This was silky and smooth with good red currant acidity at the core and darker stone fruits. Great length with power and finesse simultaneously. A delight with duck breast!
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3/7/2013 - thepeng1 wrote: 97 Points
Its Ready!
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2/10/2013 - rajivp wrote: 93 Points
Excellent wine. Joseph Phelps never let's you down. Opened this bottle on a special occasion and everyone enjoyed it.
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2/3/2013 - IGN WINESNOB Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for an hour. Opened nicely and ready to go. Great nose, legs and finish. Pleasant.
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2/3/2013 - thehillgroup wrote: 92 Points
- Purple color. It's balanced with a medium/full body. Polished texture with a long finish - Excellent wine. Long finish and drinking very well now - Superbowl Sunday.
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1/20/2013 - Snoman wrote: 95 Points
Fantastic evolution after 10 years, shows deep purple in glass (no hint of bricking) with at clear rim, rich aromas of black cherry, black currant that flow to palate, adding dark chocolate and a hint of smoke, sweet ripe tannins, and a long mouthwatering finish. Put this one with me on a desert island.
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1/19/2013 - ckleiman wrote: 94 Points
Wow!!! Great extraction. Deep purple color. Juicy, meaty, teeth strainer
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1/17/2013 - Brett wrote: 94 Points
Great wine!
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12/25/2012 - Agreenblatt wrote: 94 Points
I let this breathe for 2 hours and it was great. Not good on the second day. Drank with a few dishes, but really needed the lamb to support this body. This wine does not disappoint.
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12/23/2012 - Brett wrote: 92 Points
Very good wine.
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12/23/2012 - Maz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Lots of dark berry fruit with chocolate, tobacco, cedar and a touch of pepper. firm tannins and a medium length finish.
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12/18/2012 - ddingley Likes this wine: 95 Points
This was the best bottle of wine I've had in 2012. Big big fruit but with just enough acidity and tannins to keep it in line while going on for a long time. Something else too, some spice and leather and maybe a hint of a good cigar. Was bold when I poured a small taste at opening, but after decanting 1+ hour had with beef tenderloin and went to a new level. Don't get the lack of respect, these can go for years (the 98 last year was excellent)
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12/15/2012 - Night Train Likes this wine: 89 Points
Opened (not decanted) about 90 minutes before tasting at a Christmas party. Underwhelming. Nothing wrong, but nothing right, either. Poured another glass about an hour later, and it had improved significantly. Still not a world-beater, particularly in this price range. Nice nose, with hints of eucalyptus. Plenty of spice on the palate. Medium body, with a decent (not great) finish. Refined and elegant, but nothing to write home about. I've observed that tasting notes since mid-2012 have been much less positive than notes from 2011 and early 2012. It might be in a dumb phase, so I'm going to wait a year or so before trying my one remaining bottle.
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11/28/2012 - IGN WINESNOB Likes this wine: 90 Points
Popped and poured. OK, definite JP Insignia nose, finished lacked a bit. Might agree this is close to mature(d). Got it? Drink up. Good, but not like the 05,06, 07 or 08.
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11/24/2012 - facchair wrote: 88 Points
Near the end for this vintage. Disappointing!
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10/6/2012 - East of Napa wrote: 89 Points
Not bad but way below expectations
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9/16/2012 - MAXIMUM SATISFACTION wrote: 94 Points
Drinking nicely now. Elegant and somewhat restrained. Creamy oak and red fruit dominate. The wine did get crushed by the 2003 Paul Hobbs To Kalon.
See more detail at
http://maximumsatisfaction.tumblr.com/post/31667046030
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8/17/2012 - mojowine wrote:
I must have had a bad bottle. I decanted it properly and it was not skunked but there was no depth of flavor and ZERO finish. Very disappointing. I'll try my other bottle at some point to see if Insignia is actually worth the hype and cost.
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7/21/2012 - Bakek wrote: 95 Points
Great bottle of wine. Classic Napa cabernet that is drinking well, but will get better. Two guests at dinner said "wow" without knowing what it was. Complex and subtle nose. Austere on the palate. Vanilla and caramel on finish.
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7/16/2012 - Uglypinga wrote:
Loosened up some since last time. Nose of chocolate and berry liqueur, the palate is full bodied with mouth coating fruits highlighting darker berries, some cedar notes and some tobacco. A bit of a black peppery hint keeps things interesting. This might have been the best bottle of 03 I had and unfortunately my last one.
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6/16/2012 - AllRed wrote: 92 Points
35th Anniversary Party Cellar Tasting; 6/16/2012-6/17/2012 (Rich & Dana's): Dark color. Bouquest features black fruit, licorice and raisin qualities. Full-bodied with firm tannins and flavors of cassis, vanilla, oak spice and chocolate. 92-93 pts.
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5/10/2012 - random wrote: 94 Points
Very smooth, great fruit, tannins surprisingly easy. Great wine.
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4/24/2012 - Uglypinga wrote:
Smoke, black pepper and kirsch. A hint of leather. The palae is medium weight with nice dark and red fruits, a hint of oak still, a dusty presence and a long finish that dries out in the end. Very good, elegant wine at this point.
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3/9/2012 - beezer6 wrote: 92 Points
Decanted two hours. Nice ripe Napa styling on the nose. Creme de cassis, dark and milky chocolate nibs, purple flowers and a fair dose of spice on the back end. The palate is rich and shows nice big fruit that's right in your face. The finish came across a bit hot and I think, as well as everyone else, there could have been more balance. This may have gone into a slightly dumb phase; I think this needs at least five to seven more years to come into its own. It was difficult drinking this after the subtle Bordeaux-esque 1991 Mondavi Reserve Cab.
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2/21/2012 - BVB Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great Bordeaux-like blend. Everything has integrated nicely since I last had it 3-4 years ago. It is ready to drink now but will probably last another few years.
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2/14/2012 - Chef Jake wrote: 93 Points
Ready to drink but could also sit another five years. Very balanced Bordeaux blend. I would never turn down a glass of this.
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2/12/2012 - Brett wrote: 95 Points
Fantastic wine!!
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2/12/2012 - dead puddle wrote: 94 Points
Pop up and pour. nose explosive of caramel, butter, red cherries, praline. Mouth very powerful in the fruit and fine in the structure and the tannins. Mouth long of equally mixed : coffee, blackberries, cherry, tiramisu,caramel and cream. Quite heavy finally. It is a big thick cake ! Very well made for big people and big sauce dish in winter. I drunk only a glass to stay comfortable with this great American wine (actually two). Thanks Cpt cutlass.
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2/6/2012 - wood wrote: 91 Points
We let it breath for 30 minutes, then drank over the next hour or two without much change. Very good wine that is probably ready to drink now. Fans of well made, structured, complex wines will like this. Not over the top fruit, but well balanced.
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1/15/2012 - jeffm_fla wrote: 92 Points
Good to very good. Bright fruit, maybe a little light for an Insignia, but nice to drink.
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1/13/2012 - Hollowleg wrote: 93 Points
Contrary to the notes posted, there's no need to decant. The fruit & oak stream out from the pull of the cork. Great on its on own, can hold up to most fare. WOTN.
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12/17/2011 - n2wine wrote: 92 Points
Dark garnet red. Dark fruits with a little spice. Strong tannins still present.
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11/28/2011 - mgribble94 wrote: 92 Points
Opened and decanted for 2 hrs. Nose had black fruit and lots of it. Tastes of black fruit and maybe a bit of spice or licorice. Finish lingered on the tongue for a while.
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11/20/2011 - Dangelmaier wrote: 88 Points
something was not right...
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11/16/2011 - Aspenhawk wrote: 93 Points
this a great wine. Dark Red in the glass with strong legs. I had read the other notes and we did let it breath for almost 2 hours to a point the nose had nice arouma of berrys for sure and some oak or spice....
nice in the mouth velvety and rich like most Insignia. I don't see this geting a lot better.. I think it is a drink now or in the next 18 months.
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11/15/2011 - Porchino wrote: 93 Points
Very good but at this price?
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11/9/2011 - suttonri wrote:
Wineglas and rocknroller are right, it needs air at this stage. 2-3 hrs in my book to let the green subside and let that mocha-laden cassis with cherries come to the fore.
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9/26/2011 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 94 Points
High End Cabernets $100 plus: Nice showing. Dark in color. Big fruit on the nose along with herbs, olives, spice and cranberry. On the palate it picks up a little heat which blew off quick. Good concentration and medium finish. Decanted around 4 hours and needed all of that.
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9/25/2011 - rocknroller wrote: 93 Points
Hi-End Cabs/Bordeaux Blends Offline, Blind ($100+) (Minneapolis): Very dark red color, inky. 3.5 hr decant. The nose has oak, black fruits, blueberry, cassis, herbs, and the earth emerges later. The palate is thick and chewy, lush black fruits, with firm but integrated tannins, layers of fruit and a medium finish. This was somewhat tight and got better over another 2 hours in the glass to get to this point. 93+pts.
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8/26/2011 - Winodude1234 wrote: 96 Points
Terrific
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7/18/2011 - n2wine wrote: 91 Points
A very good wine, but did not stand up to its reputation. Somewhat light bodied for a red blend. Next tine we'll pair it with food.
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7/16/2011 - Brett wrote: 93 Points
Just fantastic!!
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6/11/2011 - spretzer wrote: 92 Points
impressive as always. decanted for 1.5 hours and enjoyed over the next 2.5. very soft, and delicate with a wonderful balance. maybe not as complex as other insignias but a really nice wine. enjoyed with kathy at Herons, great with the Lamb
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5/29/2011 - Arthur4wine wrote: 95 Points
Opened along with a Chateau Malescot St. Exupery. I served the two bottles side by side for my guest. Dinner was an excellent and peppery grilled steak. The guests loved both wines, but there was a slight preference for the Insignia. Wish I had the money to drink these wines on a regular basis. Great evening, with great friends and great wines.
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5/13/2011 - jeffm_fla wrote: 92 Points
A nice elegant wine, good with food. Less fruit (particularly in comparison with the '06 Caymus Special Select we drank first) than some, but pleasant flavors -- maybe a bit of heirloom tomato.
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4/22/2011 - tubeman wrote: 94 Points
opened and sat for 3 hours before drinking. So smooth. Enjoyed with smoked brisket - wow!
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1/2/2011 - corkdorkAR wrote: 93 Points
Really rich and showy. Very layered with a incredibly creamy texture. A gorgeous wine that is refined and deftly balanced. Not as strong a some other Insignia vintages, but a very solid and well crafted wine. Looking forward to drinking another.
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12/25/2010 - Wink wrote: 94 Points
Drank tonight with beef tenderloin. Dark purple with a brick rim. Nose was a bit oaky at first, but nice dark fruit emerged with a little time. Wonderful ripe palate with blueberry, currant, menthol, graphite, licorice, and espresso. Amazing length. Focused acidity. Supple tannins. Really drinking well
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11/26/2010 - Nardonec wrote:
Needs 4 hours out of the bottle to open up.
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10/20/2010 - johnnyo wrote: 95 Points
Amazing wine! Took to El Gaucho and decanted immediately. A bit tight at first but after an hour it blossomed into this stunning wine with layers of black currant, black cherry, anise, tobacco leaf and cedar. The mid palate was voluptuous and velvety with just the right amount of tannin grip and the finish lingered almost endlessly with lovely acidity. This is clearly one of the best wines of the year.
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10/4/2010 - Yiannis wrote: 95 Points
Insignia vertical, Genka Wine Fair
Initially this was not as impressive as the 2004, but with time it gained in complexity and depth and was the unexpected winner of the tasting, although upon its release it did not receive as much critical acclaim as the rest of the vintages.
Less ripe fruit than the 2004, but much more complexity and finesse: plum, liquorice, hints of leather, some minerality and cedar. Delivering more and more as it opened in the glass. Even better on the palate, were everything was just in the right level: rich fruit, silky tanins and balancing acidity. Very long finish. I bet this will improve over the next 5 years.
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8/15/2010 - tbabes wrote: 94 Points
Brought to our annual Chaine picnic; popped and poured. Notes of black cherry, cassis, spice and licorice. Medium to full bodied, with loads of fruit, an opulent texture, good delineation, and a rather heady finish.
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8/1/2010 - tbabes wrote: 91 Points
The fill was into the neck and the cork was pristine; opened about one hour prior to service. Aromas of black fruits, licorice, and spice. Lacking a bit in terms of texture -- not as velvety as I had hoped -- but still a solid wine.
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6/5/2010 - beezer6 wrote: 95 Points
Saturday Tasting Group (Knightsbridge Wine Shop (Northbrook, IL)): This wine has really blossomed into a winner.
Nice cherries, raspberries, other medium light red fruit. Some pretty red flowers - rose petals. Light spice characteristics, but just pure clean fruit all the way through. Consistent with past tasting notes, the bottling is really feminine in style with no rough edges whatsoever.
A long round finish. Screams culty California Cabernet blend. Smooth sweet tannins, with everything in harmony.
Really nice grip on the back end. A complete wine.
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4/14/2010 - Capt Cutlass wrote: 93 Points
Seamless and very velvety in texture. Nice length and dark fruit concentration. New oak evident but with this kind of concentration it works well. Decanted only 1 hour before which was fine. Great with Corsican specialty "Figatelli"! Will keep for years thanks to the density and concentration but I don't regret drinking it now since it is so smooth.
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2/24/2010 - ours de vin wrote: 94 Points
Consumed with light Mediterranean fare - this wine never lets me down! Decanted for three hours - wonderful aromas and developed into several layers on the palette. Well integrated wine with a medium finish. The wine left our dinner party wanting for more...
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2/7/2010 - tbabes wrote: 92 Points
A youthful appearance; aromas of black cherry, cassis, and toasty oak; medium-bodied, with a lush texture, good concentration, and long finish.
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1/24/2010 - RussK wrote: 92 Points
RUSSK WW at Casa D'Agnello. Frank's tasting. Not the best of the night by far.
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1/20/2010 - CMCLR wrote: 90 Points
A little lacking in body as compared to other Insignia vintages. Falls off towards the finish.
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1/16/2010 - drerwinsu wrote: 96 Points
Very nice. Drank before we opened an Opus 2006. Opus is very good but the Insignia was better. Not a fair comparison I know. Smooth with a great long finish.
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10/24/2009 - JR_Boston wrote: 99 Points
Superb. Blackberry, casis, some pepper, complex, smooth finish.
Favorite of all high end wines tasted
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10/24/2009 - blondon wrote:
Popped, left open in the cellar for a couple of hours, then consumed over 2. This really isn't my cup of tea anymore, but my dinner companions enjoyed it. Very one dimensional, all fruit, little acidity.
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9/26/2009 - bubbachumps wrote: 94 Points
Very sexy, intoxicating nose of smoke, toasty oak and dark currants. In the mouth, Nicely integrated with raspberry, cassis, toasty oak and some fine grained tannins on the finish. Had this next to the 2003 Caymus Special Select and the Insignia was way better hands down. This has some room for slight improvement, but there is no need to hold on to it now because its in a great window.
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9/10/2009 - TEDL wrote: 90 Points
Due to 'indecision' we had taste off between this wine and a 2002 Sequoia Grove Semper V which we believe is a comparable bottle. Decanted both for an hour and both stood their ground quite well with great colors and flavors. When it came to the meal (Lamb Chops, Haricot Vert, Potatoes Dauphinois) we thought the Semper V was a bit better at cutting thru the fats than the Insignia. Both good bottles and remain our two favorites.
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9/10/2009 - Charlie Carnes wrote: 90 Points
Four Cali CAbs over three days; 9/10/2009-9/13/2009: This was better than the last one, similar, but oak a little more integrated, smooth rich fruit.
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8/24/2009 - Charlie Carnes wrote: 88 Points
A nice 2007 Rhone and an over-oaked Insignia: What's a poor boy to do? My aversion to grainy toasty oak and over-ripeness has gotten much worse. Is the trend for Insignia? I remember older bottles{ 1994-1997} as usually having a little match-stick and dark fruits and sometimes a little scorched earth, but I remember loving them for their pure fruit, long finishes and wonderful balance. Never do I remember this heavy handed oakiness. The 2007 St Cosme Hominis Fides that I had together with this wine blew it away.
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5/23/2009 - TEDL wrote: 89 Points
See previous notes. Still one of the best.
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4/30/2009 - HKTraveler wrote: 91 Points
took to ruth chris after decanting. cherry, alcohol laden fruit bomb with decent tannin and strong long lasting after taste. while decent paired with a steak, the fruit is a bit too strong for my taste and reminds me almost of a new world or zinfandel. the fruit are very good but lacks complexity. seems best between 1.5 hr to 2.5 hr after decanting
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3/21/2009 - Cortona5 wrote: 94 Points
Classic Insignia..always delivers and this is drinking great! Nice blend of fruit and tannins. Lots of life left but open and enjoy. Decant 1+ hours.
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3/9/2009 - Cuchita hernandez wrote: 90 Points
Tiene un olor exquisito y profundo a madera desde lejos, se aprecia mås por la nariz que por el paladar.
aunque tiene un sabor a cherry ahumada. tiene mucho cuerpo, se crece cuando se acompaña con una carne
de res termino medio. Lo abrî solo por media hora y me gustø mucho su desempeño.
lo bebî en un restaurant el precio muy caro para el vino.
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12/20/2008 - David S wrote: 92 Points
very good but don't think it is worth the price
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11/29/2008 - Hollowleg wrote: 89 Points
After a three hour decant, potpourri aromas developed on the nose. Which was the most interesting thing about this blend.
This was fairly ordinary in the mouth. Typical, and didn't really stand out. I'll give this six months before trying another.
The Cortes De Cima was the WOTN, and it only cost $20. (89+?)
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11/29/2008 - Worthy wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic, drank with heavy pasta. Still a bit young but still excellent. For the value however there are much better Napa cabernet options
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11/28/2008 - mmyette wrote: 89 Points
Started out with nose of berry and oak. Mouthfeel was medium to full bodied, and wine had hints of sage and green pepper on the palate, with fruit involved, and a somewhat short finish. Good, but alongside its brothers the 02, 04, and 05, it was weak.
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10/12/2008 - jeffm_fla wrote: 92 Points
A big wine with good fruit and nice balance.
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10/1/2008 - blondon wrote: 94 Points
Popped and poured, shared with Don and Tracy in celebration of Don's birthday with a great meal at Cavaillon. Elegant, dusty, impeccably balanced, nuanced, complex. An incredible bottle of wine. As Don put it, "this is the grand cru of California" and he couldn't be more right.
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9/24/2008 - TEDL wrote: 89 Points
See previous note. This bottle opened with a taste of butter, unexpected.
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9/21/2008 - beezer6 wrote: 94 Points
Gorgeous. Deep and rich. Opaque in the glass.
Notes of graphite, blackberries, and lots of classic leather and tobacco.
Palate is generous and rich while remaining very elegant and almost feminine in character.
This is is the 'Queen' of California Cult Cabs. It is refined, layered and complex with pristine of finesse.
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9/6/2008 - Zigman wrote: 93 Points
inky purple in color. we decanted for about an hour before we drank. Currant, cassis and a little bit of cherry. a nice, lingering, classy finish that was not overwhelming and somewhat subtle. After about two hours out of the bottle however the wine seemed to have peaked and started to degrade a little. That was a little disappointing but all-in-all a very enjoyable bottle.
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7/17/2008 - ptelgenh wrote: 94 Points
Beautiful wine. Anise and red currants. medium to heavy oak with a hint of nutmeg. Very long finish.
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6/6/2008 - ewineguy wrote: 92 Points
I can't believe I've never left a tasting note for this great bottle of wine. My wife and I served this as the first bottle of a long evening with some good friends. Should have saved it for the meal of New York Steak, Grilled Asparagus and Garlic Bread. It did well by itself but would have paired perfectly with the dinner. This is a rich dark purple pour. It almost glistens in the glass it is so pristine. The nose has some sweet oak, spice, currants or cassis (you choose I can’t), and my dad’s old pipe. I know you have a winner when everyone moans at the first sip. Even my wife who is not a big Bordeaux fan tolerate a sip of this. In the mouth, a jammyness and slight hint of citrus or marmalade, a honeyish taste but really big. Without food this wine takes on a life of its own. I am proud to have a few of these.
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3/23/2008 - tubeman wrote: 93 Points
Very nice. The tannins have softened since the last bottle I tasted. Will continue to evolve.
Note: need to sit and open up to enjoy fully
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3/20/2008 - Barbara B wrote:
L'Evento Angelo Gaja (Parco dei Principi, Rome): Purple/black, dense, opaque. On nose, giant fruit -- ripe, extracted, candied, syrupy-sweetness; vanilla liqueur, cotton candy; very intense. On palate, super-concentration of ripe plums and berries, low acidity, moderate level of ripe/smooth tannins, high alcohol. Soft, round, rich, fat, long and complex. Two years in new French oak, according to Gaja, yet it was so subtle in its oakiness; its only subtlety. Gaja called this the John Wayne of wines. No rating; I never got John Wayne.
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3/7/2008 - Phin wrote: 94 Points
Not as good as the 02 or 04, but still a great showing.
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3/1/2008 - Brett wrote: 94 Points
Simply fantastic!
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2/17/2008 - ChillyWino wrote: 90 Points
The Insignia surprised me, considering it wasn't decanted and probably only opened 2+ hours before we got to it. As you mentioned I thought it was surprisingly elegant. Coffee, red fruits and hints of oak dominated the nose for me. It did seem a little thin in the mid palate, but overall I thought it was drinking great.
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2/16/2008 - VinoGreenBay wrote: 92 Points
Brought my own bottle to a Brazilian steak house where copious amounts of red meat grace your plate every few minutes. My initial impressions were thin, short, and unsatisfactory. After a 1/2 hour in the bottle it seemed to open up a bit with sweet red fruit and mild oak. By the last few glasses this had evolved to an enjoyable Insignia albeit no comparison to the 02'. I've had much better for less, Verite La Joie comes to mind. Overall this wine stood up to the meat and made the meal an all around success. Seemed to match best with the spit roasted garlic top sirloin although my food obsessions are a compeletly different issue.
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1/9/2008 - cab blends wrote: 94 Points
Thinner than expected (although tasted with Penfolds Grange which was stunning) but very smooth with good body.
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12/30/2007 - CMCLR wrote: 90 Points
A little "off" but not flawed.
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12/30/2007 - ajjar wrote: 90 Points
Restaurant purchase at reasonable price. However the quallity of the 2003 is either not there or will take time to develop what is hidden today. Nice tannins, albeit in a chalky state. Great blackberry and lush fruit, just not the depth of character you expect from an Insignia. And they raised the price for the 2004 by a 1/3?
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12/14/2007 - beezer6 wrote: 92 Points
Deep purple black at the core.
Tobacco with tons of oak going on here.
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12/13/2007 - beezer6 wrote: 92 Points
Quick taste at WF OB from an unfinished decanter.
After three hours the flavors were fully developed. Yet, it still lacked the complexity I expect out of this wine.
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11/2/2007 - loverboy wrote: 93 Points
Nice wine, a little too sweet.
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10/13/2007 - Dave Dalluge wrote:
Thirty Years of Phelps Insignia (1974 through 2004): Tasted but no notes taken.
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10/13/2007 - Siggy wrote:
Insignia Vertical Tasting 1974-2004 (WA Frost, St. Paul): Black. Slightly grassy/herbal on the nose. Dark blackberry fruit and sweet oak/vanilla. Completely closed.
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10/10/2007 - Ernie F wrote: 95 Points
I just love this wine.
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9/22/2007 - Ernie F wrote: 93 Points
Very drinkable now!
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9/16/2007 - yanik wrote: 94 Points
smooth tanins & extra plush mouth feel
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7/15/2007 - mmyette wrote: 92 Points
Improving. This wine remains soft, and complex, with integrated tannins, and cassis, vanilla oak, sage, and a touch of herbs. It finishes gracefully.
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7/10/2007 - balassis wrote: 90 Points
Deep purple color, with blue hues. It is still young.
Warm nose with red ripe fruits (curranrts, cherry, plum, licorice). Also a scent of menthol. Tarry background.
The palate is layered with sweet notes of currants and cherry jam. Very opulent and spicy, with round and sweet tannins. Full-bodied with medium acidity.
The aftertaste lasts about 30 sec.
Everything here is balanced.
A "politicaly correct" New World wine. It would like to be a great Bordeaux, but lacks of soul...
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6/11/2007 - beezer6 wrote: 93 Points
Wildfire Wine Ambassador Kobrand Dinner (Ditka's Restaurant - Oak Brook, IL): Kobrand Wine Dinner @ Ditka's in Oakbrook.
Poured without decanting.
Tasted fairly closed for the time.
Bright berries with very FLORAL notes.
Smooth and elegant on the palate with hints of sage and leather.
Definitely needs some time in the bottle - at least another five years.
This was many's WOTN; I preferred the Tribute to the Insignia by a point thanks
to its more round and balanced mouth feel.
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5/19/2007 - Vinoguy wrote: 93 Points
Decanter New World Fine Wine Encounter (The Landmark Hotel, London): A step up from the Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon, this is supremely concentrated, tannic and structured but at present an austere wine. Probably approachable with food but that would be a waste. Very young but surely destined to be great when it comes together. £100 per bottle.
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5/19/2007 - Wrighty wrote: 94 Points
Decanter New World Fine Wine Encounter (Landmark Hotel, London, England): Intense nose, mint and eucalyptus. This is like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Would have liked to have spent a lot longer drinking a lot more of this.
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5/16/2007 - dbkitc wrote: 88 Points
This wine was all over the place – big, disjointed and alcoholic. Not memorable. (88?)
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5/5/2007 - Paul Lin wrote: 93 Points
Showed surprisingly well on a night of drinking first growth bordeaux. Quite delicious, in fact.
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3/18/2007 - DTWOB wrote: 92 Points
The thrid bottle in a three bottle progression, from a light French Corton Charlemange to a Chambelle Musiginey Burgandy to this Insignia.
This bottle did not match as well with our light French fare. It over powered the entre's. It was a great bottle, but much better on a different day, a different setting a different meal. Lesson learned - listen to the professional!
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2/17/2007 - mmurry wrote: 90 Points
Sonoma Whites and Napa reds (Farpointe Cellar): This wine was really good. The nose had raspberry and plum, plus some clove, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. The palate had raspberry and spice, plus a bit of oak, cloves, and some plum. The tannins were firm and it had a good long finish.
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2/17/2007 - Rob MacKay wrote: 93 Points
It's hard to stay away from this wine. Each time we have it, it seems better then the previous experience.
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1/5/2007 - mmyette wrote: 91 Points
Better than I remember, a little green still, but with soft, velvety flavors. Described as a fruit bomb, with lush forward flavors of berry, cassis, and juicy fruit. Moderate finish and well integrated, vanilla oak flavors.
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1/1/2007 - Rob MacKay wrote: 93 Points
See notes from 11/24. This was just as good, if not better.
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12/25/2006 - TEDL wrote: 89 Points
Tobbacoy and oakey with a bit of an edge. Not bad. Decanted it for an hour then consumed with lamb rubbed with Seekh Kabab rub which mellowed it a bit. A bit more time in the bottle will help, but we had to try it.
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11/24/2006 - Rob MacKay wrote: 93 Points
Opened and sat for 30 mins prior to drinking. Deep red crimson color with crushed red fruit and maybe a little smoke or toast on the nose. Palate still showing very young with a little tannic edge to it but it does mellow out with some time in the glass. A little bit of oak showing though as well and the finish is quite long. Excellent wine with a lot of potential.
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11/20/2006 - mmyette wrote: 90 Points
About how I remember it from the winery. This is austere for an Insignia, with restrained fruit, and tannins that while soft, are unusually present for an Insignia. Not as good as the 02 or 04, but a delightful bottle nonetheless.
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11/19/2006 - redpine42 wrote: 96 Points
5 year Insignia vertical blind tasting. This selected blindly as the WOTN. Most thought it was the 2002. Sorry Mr Parker, but tasted side by side with the others, this was the most expressive and enjoyable bottle of the bunch.
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11/19/2006 - huntly wrote: 89 Points
overall a bit of a disappointment. Medium bodied with a lovely soft, fruit filled noise....and you get exactly that and not more. blackberry, chocolate and a bit of jammy cassis front to it--the finish is without much complexity and rather short. All in all, perfectly pleasant and not a bad winer, but less than what you might expect given the provenance (and price)
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11/5/2006 - tmac77 wrote: 89 Points
A very young wine with a lot of alochol on the nose. Decanted for almost an hour and the wine was okay. As others have noted, a disappointment compared to 2002. This is not a wine ready to drink for at least three years. IMHO
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10/19/2006 - GolferChris wrote: 91 Points
Wine Spectator Grand Tasting (Marriott Hotel, San Francisco, CA): Complex nose of black fruits, graphite, earth and a touch of leather. Not as lush or balanced as the Great 2002. Tasted a bit out of balance. So many other great wines that I found this a bit disappointing considering its price.
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9/14/2006 - hutch wrote:
This was at a tasting, so there is no way I can rate this wine. Dark purple color. It had been decanted for about an hour and a half. Huge vanillan oak dominated the nose and finish of this wine for me. This wine wasn't integrated at all. While it was definately a solid wine, Phelps had raised the price to the point that nothing less then an amazing wine should be expected. It remains to be seen what happens with this vintage. I would be surprised to see it pass the low 90's, though.
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9/1/2006 - Paul Lin wrote: 92 Points
Tasted at the winery. Complex nose of black fruits, sweet licorice, and graphite. On the palate, this wine exhibits lush flavors of dark fruits, raspberry ganache, beets, and mineral. Very intense and very young. A very good wine, but given all the attention of the 2002, I found it a bit disappointing.
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