Which Insignia?

the 1997

good call god

Whichever one you choose, I'd recommend decanting it well in advance. They're all young.

ricky -

if you must, go with the 97'

Ricky,

I'd try and grab an older vintage online or locally... those all seem a bit too young.

Either way, hope you guys have fun.

LJ

the 1994,



ahhh... mhhhh...the 1997

tsunami - how did you know that i had one bottle of 94' it is so hard to open that one last bottle of anything

1 x 94'
1 x 95'
2 x 96' and 97'
3 x 99'
1 x 00'
13 x 01'

1997 ... if '94 is not an option that is.

quote:

Originally posted by LiquidJoy65:
those all seem a bit too young.

Agree 100% I'd look for a 1991 or 1992

Benchmark Wine Group has a bottle of 1993 for $115! The 1993 Insignia is mature, the right price, and has a Parker rating of 95 points!

http://www.benchmarkwine.com/

the '93 was pretty darn good when we did a vertical of 22 vintages of Insignia last year here in the Seattle area. I also enjoyed the '84 and '87 alot.

Benchmark is one of the best kept secrets in CA retailer circles. I am glad more people don't know of them as there prices are great and selection fantastic. Service is as good as any of the big names!

It depends on your tastes. The '96 is beginning to evolve more toward a European style and is more terroir oriented than the others which are more fruit forward. I am concerned that the '97 seems to be losing some of its vibrancy and wonder how late a wine can enter a "dumb" phase. The '99 and '01 are great. I just acquired 6 of the '02s but have not tasted them. Curiously you omitted the "98 as a choice. Frankly, I snubbed this wine for a while too until its reduced price made me bite, and while the '98 may not be the best Insignia of the group, it is still a very good wine and at the reduced prices a decent qpr.

Dick

I can't wait to try the 2002, which is supposed to be one of the greatest Insignia's in quite awhile.

Open the '94.

I agree as the '94 is my all time favorite except for the first vintage (which I have only had once). I have opened Mags and a 3 liter of the '94 and it is just an amazing wine that will last for more than another decade!

Drink the '96... and quit buying it.

I'm going to an Insignia vertical dinner ('94-'03) on Wednesday, so I'll let you know Thursday.

quote:

Originally posted by MiamiAtty:
I'm going to an Insignia vertical dinner ('94-'03) on Wednesday, so I'll let you know Thursday.

cool...thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by RedMeat:
Drink the '96... and quit buying it.

i am trying to quit buying....
its a disease

It is a disease. Columbia Crest is the cure. Don't get me wrong... Insignia is a terrific wine. If prices roll back to $59, I'm back in the game.

i was able to get some 98' and 00' several months ago for $55 +/-

What about the '95. '95 Calis are coming around and some are peaking right now. I say keep the '94 and give some more time (since you've already had it) Also lay off the '97 for a bit. try the '98 if you want something that is peaking earlier.

Also this is my first post so I thought I'd say hi to evewryone as well! Cheers!

Ricky........have you tried the '98?

Dick

oh yeah...i had many 98' and its all gone
and i don't know where my 95' is either

i think i am going to take the 97'

thanks evyerone!

The 94 Insignia is much more ready to drink than the 95.

Ok Ricky, here are some brief TN's of the event. Hope it helps:

While the '94 is very drinkable now, it may be past its prime. Still, it is an elegant tasting wine. (MA-93)

The '95 has held up well, and is still muscular, showing wild berry, plum, and black cherry. FWIW most people seemed to prefer the '95 to the '94. (MA-94)

The '96 was a polished wine showing black cherry, currant, sage and spices. It reminded me of a '96 Kenwood Artist series (Sonoma) I'd opened a week before. (MA-92)

The '97 tasted like a "classic" '97 from Napa: muscular, dense, and very fruit foward with black cherry, plum, and a hint of chocolate and herbs on the finish. (MA-95)

The '98 was drinking suprisingly well with layers of dark fruits. Not muscular, but a very nice blend for the vintage. (MA-91)

The '99 showed black cherry, minerals, sage and was quite muscular tannin wise. (MA-93)

The '00 showed tiers of black berry, black cherry, and mocha. Very nice on the finish. (MA-92)

The '01 was a deep rich wine showing dark fruits, mocha, and hazel nut/coffee. (MA-91)

The '02 may have tied (with the '97) for the wine of the night for me. Total fruit bomb the will age nicely. Dense black berry, plum, currant, vanilla and cedar. (MA-95)
Ricky, you may want to wait for this one!

The '03 barrel sample was unique. Although very good, the fruit seemed to be covered in oak. I finally was able to taste a barrel sample!

I should mention that it was a pleasure to meet Tom Shelton, president and CEO of Phelps Vineyards. A very passionate and knowledgable guy who I'll be seeing soon in Napa; I won the door prize!

thanks miamiatty! it just reconfirms that i am going to open 97' and i am going to be spending more $$ for the 02'