I suppose since this is Castello di Ama I shouldn’t be surprised it’s very good. Gobs of ripe fruit and freshness on the nose, with a nice crushed rock background. In the mouth, it’s dry, fresh as heck, and has good concentration and balance. Totally dry. Phenomenal with Chinese takeout on a warm evening. — 2 years ago
Still youthful with dense , purple to the eye and earthy graphite to nose with blackberry on the tongue. Great richness and long finish. — 4 years ago
Very nice pinot. Paired perfect with lamb and gnocchi. Gift from Carmen as part of case deal. — 5 years ago
2016 vintage, very reliable fun wine for the budget. Easy drinking yet flavorful. — 6 years ago
Double decanted two nights before service. The 2013 Insignia pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing but still quite youthful with notes of tart and ripe dark fruit: dense brambles, purple flowers, tobacco, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. At 11 years of age, this remains tightly coiled and needs more time to open up and tell more of its story. All that being said, this is very good now…but to my palate, better after 2027 and through 2043. — 8 months ago
Deep purple color.
Aromas of roasted cocoa, asparagus, baked black fruit.
Dry. Flavors of baked blackberry, green notes, blackberry leaf, vanilla. Rich velvety tannins. High acidity. The green notes diminish the flavor.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 2 years ago
Color looks pretty good, nice and dark. Nose: licorice, coffee, chocolate, a whiff of black olives, toffee, wood, some spice or herb I can’t identify, a bit of “purple” - I guess that’s cassis. Good sign. Taste: a little sweet, a lot of that fruity-toffee-coffee taste, also violet and blueberry. Distinctly a Washington wine (based on others I’ve had) because of the licorice and blueberry. A much more complex and grownup version of the affordable fruit bombs blends people love to buy. I wish it were a little more robust, but it is pretty darn good. 89-90. A little fruity for me, but good value, Would prefer Chateau St Michelle for the $13 this cost me, but it is a nice alternative, especially if you want something heavier than that. — 4 years ago
Deep Ruby, purple edges, with aromas of fresh berry fruits, cigar box spice and earthy mineral notes. On the palate rich ripe fruit, blackberry & black cherry with hints of dried spices. Good balance with slightly firm tannins, opened quickly, and lively acidity. Long finish, complex ending with oak, herb, mineral and earthy character. Will improve with short term aging, but don’t wait too long as you might be disappointed! Very nice Shiraz! — 4 years ago
Light-bodied and delicious. Perfect for socializing! — 6 years ago
Balanced smooth and easy in the palette — 9 months ago
Traditional Bordeaux style blend. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of blackberry jam, violets and toasted bread. Palate is full of jammy black currant/berry flavors with additional notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, blueberry, graphite and baking spices. Full bodied and juicy. Not overly complex but very well made. A bit more bottle age is necessary for the wine to calm down a bit. Thanks for sharing, Ron B! — a year ago
Last time i took out the purple cowboy was a lot different but it was great to enjoy this one and not need a new sofa. — 2 years ago
Seemed like the right time to open this. The candy like flavor that I see people complain about had blown off this wine and it just had this incredible purple inky color and rim to it. Very enjoyable. Still had good fruit and sweetness without losing too much luster. Caymus used to age forever but I would drink these up by 10th bday. — 4 years ago
Owned in collaboration with Chris Ringland, Jorge Ordonez, Miguel Gil and others, located in Valley of La Aragona inside the Murcia district of Jumilla. Very dark Ruby, purple edges with floral fruit aromas & floral spice. On the palate blueberry & sweet black cherry flavors, savory with great mouthfeel, 24 months aging on French & American oak, the 70% Monastrell & 30% Cab Sauv has fine soft tannins, well integrated with oak, long finish ending with mineral tones, Will age well! — 5 years ago
A big bold plumy purple bomb As dense and luscious as a wine can get in a glass. Decanted for 2 hrs and its still a baby with blackberry, dark chocolate licorice and pepper on the nose and on the palate. A long long finish and loads of tannins to sum it all up — 6 years ago
Ray Vanderhoff
Blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark ruby color with some purple highlights and a slightly garnet rim. Aromas of kirsch, dark chocolate and a slight hint of menthol. The palate notes dark plums, chocolate cake, beef jerky, tobacco and orange zest. A touch of baking spices on the long and lingering earthy finish. Medium-plus body, chewy tannins and firm texture. Great complexity. Appreciate you sharing, John P. — 7 months ago