100pts
Parker; 97pts Vinous
The
Wine Advocate - "The flagship wine of the estate in reds is their
Insignia, which has been one of the great Bordeaux blends made in California
since the debut vintage in 1974. It usually has 30+ years aging potential, even
in lighter vintages, of which the 2012, 2013 and 2014 are decidedly not. The
2013 Proprietary Red Insignia was scheduled for bottling after my visit. A
blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest smaller proportions of Petit
Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, this is a smaller cuvée of about
12,300 cases. This could turn out even better than the 2012, although the final
judgment will have to take place from bottle. An amazing, inky purple color
offers up notes of pen ink, white flowers, blueberry and blackberry liqueur.
Nicely coiled, its tense, but rich and extracted palate is full-bodied with
layers of concentrated fruit, well-integrated wood, acidity and tannin, and a
finish of a good 40-45 seconds. This stunner should hit its prime in 5-6 years
and last 30-40 years.
Vinous
/ Antonio Galloni - "The 2013 Insignia is ripe, forward and explosive,
with striking nuance and delineation throughout. Vivid and intense, but also
showing admirable restraint, the 2013 is super-impressive. Twenty-four months
in 100% new oak has really tamed what was once a powerful, almost over the top
wine. Today, the 2013 is still closed and not fully formed, but it is shaping
up to be a real gem.