If it's anything like the 98 Reserve, get ready to pucker up (and not just at the price). A tannic mouthwash...and an expensive one even at a reduced price. The fruit hides and the tannin comes out to play...where's my water.
Posts: 1203 | Location: Sutton, MA, USA | Registered: Jan 15, 2003
Sorry, did not see this earlier. Heavy astringency, moderate fruit. All I can say is "What happened?" ( And maybe, "The gall of them to charge more than $25.00 for this!" )
I posted TN on the 98 Reserve. Nice nose reminds me of a Lynch Bages. The fruit is there it just does not stay around long enough to balance out the tannic finish. I read Parker and WS reviews and don't know why they scored it so high (label knowledge??). I have another bottle, perhaps in a few years it will be better.
for 98's I have tried:
Montelena estate - very nice, balanced and elegant.
Quintessa - incredible nose of purfume fruit and anise, tannic but sweet with fruit lasting until the finish.
Niebaum Cappola cask - In your face big chewy Cal cab. tannic but fruit hangs in there. Powerful nose. After a few glasses black tounge...did I just eat a bag of licorice? Had this during the "storm"
All above decanted for 1-2 hours.
Where did you find the 98 Insignia for that price? Lowest I have seen is $95
Posts: 1203 | Location: Sutton, MA, USA | Registered: Jan 15, 2003
I'm not sure where BrandO saw the 98 Insignia for $71, but I purchased it for $71.99 at the NH state liquor store. If you can still find the 98 it will be $71.99 or they have the 99 Insignia for $79.99.
Posts: 167 | Location: MA | Registered: Aug 01, 2002
there are a few off of Rt 3 in Nashua. Actually one of the better stores is in Nashua. I think it is off of exit 6(?) but I'm not sure since I do not frequent this store. I usually go to the store in Salem NH or the big stores off of Rt 95 in Hampton or Rr 93 in Hooksett. Sometimes I go to some of the smaller stores and find some real gems. The problem with the bigger stores like Nashua etc... is that a lot of people frequent them, so they are hit or miss.
Posts: 167 | Location: MA | Registered: Aug 01, 2002
Your welcome. I haven't seen any of the 98 Insignia lately, so I'm not sure if this is still floating around or not, others say it is. However, a couple of the stores do have the 99 Insignia for $79.99. I copied some info from the NH store inventory system. I'll post it below.
Inventory Availability for Brand 25288 1999 Jos Phelps Insignia Napa Vly Red 750ml Inventory at close of business yesterday. Contact store where quantities are minimal to ensure it has not been sold today. Click on the location to obtain contact information and directions.
Location On Hand Bottles Store 11 - Lebanon 22 Store 3 - Manchester 11 Store 50 - Nashua 18 Store 49 - Plaistow 12 Total Bottles 63
If any of these interest you I can get the exact addresses and phone numbers of the location.
Posts: 167 | Location: MA | Registered: Aug 01, 2002
Emmotram is right, it is exit 6 for the specialty store and it is hit or miss. If the 98' Insignia is what you want then I just saw it at the So. Nashua store off exit 36 for Tyngsboro/So. Nashua exit. The store is accross the street from the Pheasant Lane Mall.
Here is the link for the NH state stores for more info:http://www.state.nh.us/liquor/
Posts: 271 | Location: Massachusetts | Registered: Oct 18, 2001
I know where that is. The store I usually check out is the one off 95 in Portsmouth. They seemed to have a lot of Bordeaux there also. I recall they had a section that had older stuff that was marked down on a clearence. What a concept, mark down the old wine to make room for the new!
Posts: 1203 | Location: Sutton, MA, USA | Registered: Jan 15, 2003
