Shay A

9.7

WNH virtual Insignia Tasting. Vintages featured were ‘95, ‘96, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘09, ‘13 and ‘14.

This was the Wine Spectator wine of the year and received a 100 point score from Wine Advocate (for those interested in accolades and scores).

Knowing the pedigree here, I knew to expect some fireworks and tried to prepare accordingly. I gave this 24hrs upright after pulling from the cellar, and then decanted about 90mins, before consuming from the decanter over the course of the evening. The cork came out perfectly via the Durand and had absolutely zero seepage up the cork. My glass of choice was the new Glasvin Expression. Really like their glasses.

My first sip after opening had me looking at my wife saying “this is 18yrs old and is insanely youthful”. When hearing from my friends about their mid/late ‘90s, and for the ‘01, those offerings had basically zero merlot. The ‘00 had a similar amount to this (14%), and I think that component really elevated this to a more “elegant” style. The oak here comes across as a mix of French and American (though it’s all French)...the oak has such a distinct sweet note to it that I associate with American oak on Cali wines, yet isn’t full on coconut. Aromatically, it’s a beautiful display of cherry tobacco, black cherry cordial, violets, and elevated heady notes of black cherry pie. On the palate, there is creme de cassis, espresso, cocoa powder and mellowed red fruit before a finish that has surprisingly grippy tannin. This drinks like a bigger style left bank Bordeaux with how wonderfully integrated it is. Zero chance I’d call this 18yr old Napa cab if tasting blind. This easily has 5+yrs in this drinking window, and another 5-10 in the next evolution journey before really starting to slide. If opening now, decant 1-2hrs. One of the best expressions of aged Napa cab I’ve had this year. — 4 years ago

Yen Boubel

9.3

Very subtle & lovely notes of dried lilacs, berry compote, balsamic, herbs & fresh tea leaves. Supple tannins & medium acidity with a pleasant finish of cherry candy. — 4 years ago

Sarah O'Kelley

9.5

Belated Thanksgiving wine pic ... this wine is so lovely and yummy wish I could afford to drink it more often 😍🍒🌿🪵🍄🍁 hope everyone in the states enjoyed A nice holiday despite the weirdness 🤣 — 4 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.3

Generous, powerful fruit. Fresh & ripe.
Beautifully structured & very young. Inviting and enchanting. Great producer. — 4 years ago

Meg Herring

8.7

My first 2020. Brun is always my to-go nouveau. — 4 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

91 on its own. With my Mother’s old fashion sour cream coffee cake a 9.2

We had it with the N/V Bollinger & Laurent but, the Laurent was the better pair. Not necessarily the better Champange.

One of the best things about the coffee cake is you can enjoy it as dessert and/or with my Barista whole Milk Lattes w/ Cat N Cloud “The Answer“ beans. Something to look forward to!!!!

$18 375ml’s at Costco. Stocked up. — 4 years ago

with Christina and James

"Odedi"

9.1

#AgedWineTuesday

Deep purple in color with a short purple rim.

Strong nose of blueberries, black currants, black cherries, wood, licorice, light vanilla, spices, light vegetables, tobacco, coffee, light vinaigrette and peppercorn.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and nice legs.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, cherries, blueberries, cloves, oak, tobacco leaf, vanilla, spices, espresso, vegetables, earth and peppercorn.

Medium finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a great surprise. This 16 year old Spanish red is drinking very nicely now.

Showing nice complexity with an elegant mouthfeel. Alcohol is very integrated by now, although very high.

Thank you David and Elvira for sharing this with me.

Needs 90 minutes to open up properly.

Good by itself or with food, and paired wonderfully with the Lamb chops.

Aged in New French oak barrels for 4 years.

15.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$30. — 4 years ago

Jae Cho

9.1

Nicely aged butterscotch finish. @Diana Cho how sweet it is at 10yrs. — 4 years ago

with Diana

Jim Wagonfeld

Quite light in color. Nose is floral and assertive. Palate driven by sharply defined red fruits, spice and flowers. Tannins are prominent.This stuff is distinguished by the focus and clarity. High altitude Nebbiolo, small area and crystalline wine making. Seek out. 9.4 — 4 years ago

with Judy