About a month ago I found a great buy on four Magnums of 1995 JP Insignia. I cellared them, never thinking I would open one before 2010, but curiosity won again! I opened one last night at an Italian restaurant for my wife and her visiting sister! My sister-in-law had never tasted Insignia but had given it as a present on my suggestion about a year ago to a business associate.

The restaurant did not have a magnum decanter so we opened the bottle and poured. Once again this 1995 Insignia was full of dark fruits, with a youthful color, and a rich & fruity seductive nose. However, this wine was far from developed and will need another 5 years in the bottle, or plenty of air time. I was anticipating the same lushness that I have found in the 750's, but the magnum version difinitely needs more time. Still, this was an excellent wine and my wife and sister in law were very impressed. A wine with a great future which will merit a 96/99 points one day, but not to be opened now!

latour -

do you think the format has a lot to do with your suggested window? i remember seeing a few threads and positive comments (from you as well!) for the 94'/95' Insignia drinking wonderfully now, and i'm wondering how much the Magnum influenced your note?

thanks! and good to see you're still around! (i haven't been posting nearly as much recently as well...)

kumazam

Yes, I'm sure it is the juice/air ratio in the magnums which slow the development. But these mags were stored in a wine store at 70 degrees for the last 8 years....I expected more (or faster) maturity, but its okay to wait for something great. I'll try my next one in five years.

Also, summer is the slow time for posting; good to see your comments.

I agree, excellent cabernet, but I have found mine (our of 750 ml) to be very enjoyable to drink right now based on three over the last year with consistent notes. Certainly in no danger of going over the hill soon.