Andrew Cullimore

9.4

Deep and quite opaque , narrow ruby rim . Quite a lot of wood spice though with time in the glass there is a lot underneath that oak , dark cassis , ripe blackberry and a mineral undertone . Quite round and ripe on the palate , almost ‘new world’ in style compared to some of the preceding vintages , rounded but gritty tannin , balanced acidity . Generous and round, but with balanced alcohol , good length. Dark cassis , blackberry dark cherry notes. A strong oyster shell , saline component after a while in the glass . Needs time obviously , even though this is quite round and ripe. Intense with great potential. Better in 10-15 years will last well a further 10-15. — 6 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

A perfect bottle, direct import from a Negotiate via K&L. It has seen only Chateau & Negotiate storage.

Love, love, love the style of 80’s Bordeaux. Especially, the very good 80’s vintages. The style at this age is just so good as is the 12.5 ABV.

The fruit is still very solid & fresh. Ruby; blackberries, plums, poached strawberries, black raspberries, raspberries & blueberries hues. Lead pencil for days, some light v/a-bandaid, used tobacco w/ ash, very used leather, dark spice, understated mushroom, baking spices- light nutmeg/clove, cinnamon, vanillin, dry, river stone, limestone, dark rich soil with dry leaves, mix of dry and fresh herbs, touch of mint, moist clay, withering & dry dark, red, flowers, rainfall acidity and a well balanced, nicely structured, softly tensioned, beautiful finish that lasts 90 seconds.

Paired with/ Allen Brothers Cover Ribs. — 24 days ago

Norman Gennaro

9.5

Biased but I love this wine. — 7 days ago

Norman Gennaro

9.6

I’m a Tempest fan but others preferred The Bard. Young but fantastic. Could have spent more time opening but too many people for that. Magnum. — 14 days ago

Delectable Wine

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9.6

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)
— 4 days ago

Julia Indik

9.3

Opens up with splash of plums, dark cherries, and apple. This is tempered by fig, anise and touch of smoke. There are bitter but light tannins that dominate the final notes. — 11 days ago

with Robert

Jakub Kalinowski

9.2

Quite smoky & raw. Gravel & raw cacao. The fruit really hidden right now. Barely hinted. After some time a bit of cassis emerges.
Dense on the palate. And quite burly. Big tannins, juicy yet very present. Great depth. Roast, cacao, very masculine.
This is way too early to drink this, still needs time to settle down. Brilliant but way too young. — 2 hours ago

Shuhui Ng

9.3

Decanted 3 hours.. ruby red and purple,, nose full of blackberries, pepper and oak. Mouthfeel - heavy bodied, moderate tannins, leather, spice, capsicum, peppercorn and vanilla. Tannins well integrated. Smooth and pleasant to drink. Long finish. — 17 days ago

Andrea Reyes

9.2

Great wine, very accessible and very tine tannins! — 9 days ago

with Melissa

Norman Gennaro

9.4

Ok I just think the Tempest is a bit more refined but that was questioned/debated. I stand by my assessment. Magnum — 14 days ago