1998 is often thought of as an”off vintage” for Napa Valley, but IMO that was only true if 1997 was the winemaking goal. Twenty-five years on, and this is mellow in expression, but full flavored with no indication of underripeness or dilution. The fruit is still present, and it has spice, tobacco, cedar and earthy accents. The texture is surprisingly silky, and not at all heavy. Not a lot of tannin left, so near term drinking seems to be best, but that won’t be a hardship.
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A beautiful wine for sure, a wonderful,California cab for certain, but it lacked the complexity to make it truly profound. It’s in a great place right now. Don’t see it getting better with more age, but the wine has a number of years ahead in its prime drinking window. Opened for 5 hours and then decanted for another two hours.
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1/12/2024 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Likes this wine:
Popped and poured. Getting more soupy with age. Still holding a lot of fruit, but not as enjoyable as in years past.
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1/12/2024 - SonnyChiba wrote:
Not my favorite Insignia. A little too port like and concentrated for my liking.
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7/28/2023 - Rieslingfan wrote:
1998 is often thought of as an”off vintage” for Napa Valley, but IMO that was only true if 1997 was the winemaking goal. Twenty-five years on, and this is mellow in expression, but full flavored with no indication of underripeness or dilution. The fruit is still present, and it has spice, tobacco, cedar and earthy accents. The texture is surprisingly silky, and not at all heavy. Not a lot of tannin left, so near term drinking seems to be best, but that won’t be a hardship.
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6/28/2023 - Wineshington wrote: 92 Points
Won in a bet. Good wine, a little funky and barnyardy. Showing its age but still enjoyable.
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2/14/2023 - Nothung Likes this wine: 93 Points
A beautiful wine for sure, a wonderful,California cab for certain, but it lacked the complexity to make it truly profound. It’s in a great place right now. Don’t see it getting better with more age, but the wine has a number of years ahead in its prime drinking window. Opened for 5 hours and then decanted for another two hours.
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