Blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Syrah, 1% Malbec & 2% Cabernet Franc, aged for 17 months in 48% new French oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits, oak and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cherry and currants with tobacco and herb spice. Fine smooth tannins, approachable, long finish ending with fruit, oak, spice and herb mineral character. Nice! — a month ago
I’ve now had 3 consecutive vintages (‘20-‘22) of this iconic Chardonnay, and even with the hefty price tag, it has always delivered. Big and bold but I wouldn’t say buttery, tropical fruit salad, exceptional balance with great acidity and a long, high end finish. One of those rare times when the hype is deserved. $70-$75 — a month ago
Scored well in small Cab tasting. — 22 days ago
Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.
Here we are six years after my last ‘88 Montelena and I’m looking at my old review as if I wrote it about this current bottle! So bright and lively. Gorgeous deep ruby color (darker than the ‘88 Leoville Barton). There is a Christmas spice (maybe more mint-driven) aromatic with bing cherries and floral notes. Red fruit to the core with some spiced blackberries, earthy/herbal savoriness, great acidity and a snappy/youthful finish. Cedar and espresso. Held strong over a few hours open. Not falling off a cliff, but don’t miss this window if you have some! — a month ago
The 2012 Insignia is in great shape today. Bright acids lend tremendous energy to a mid-weight Insignia that is more about finesse rather than power. Sweet red-fleshed fruit, cedar, tobacco, mint and rose petal are all beautifully delineated. There's not much left to say. The 2012 offers tons of pure pleasure. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2024)
— 16 days ago
Dark red color with string hints of red fruits, mostly cherry, great mix of dryness and tannins — 2 months ago
Ripe, polished, round, suave, definitely not an old school Petite Sirah but a super modern style, undeniably VERY tasty, but struggling a bit with reconciling the flavor and particular the structural style with 1970s/1980s Petite Sirah, I’m confused?!?! — a month ago
Jonathan’s 40th birthday wine, also 40 years old. Martha’s Vineyard 1984. Another old classic California Cabernet that won’t quit. Good cork, savory and aromatic, a fine old wine indeed! — a month ago
Port like raisiny taste, peppery, rich, moderate tannins. — a month ago
May 25, 2024 - Amy, Vicki, Renee
With Nancy’s spinach pizza — 6 hours ago
Great wine for the price, but could use a few more years — 6 hours ago
Ripe black fruit. Expected more oak, tobacco, leather but it’s really a juicy fruited lovely fruit forward wine drinking very well right now. Soft silky mouthfeel. Tannins softened very nicely. Backbone still there, would guess has 3-5 yeqrs left. Nice long finish. Holding up very well and a joy to drink now. — 2 months ago
Nina Chen
Easy to drink straight out of the bottle. Black cherry, cassis and chocolate notes. Very approachable. — 3 days ago