I think that I underrated this one somewhat. It really opened nicely in the glass. I had a bad experience earlier this year with a 1986 Insignia. It faded badly after 2-3 hours (a subsequent bottle was great when popped and served). I would really like to try this against the '84 Ridge Monte Bello (note for future DC Cru dinners).

1984 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (12/25/2005)
Very nice, elegant Insignia. Fully mature, but I expect that well-stored bottles will have long (3-5 years?) drinking plateau before fading. There is certainly no reason to age this wine any longer, but I wouldn't feel compelled to drink any remaining bottles quickly. Complex bouquet with hints of mint, leather and vanilla. Dark ruby, with no hints of bricking on the edges. Tannins are nicely integrated. The '84 Insignia is 60% cabernet, 30% merlot and 10% cabernet franc, with 13.2% alcohol. I liked this wine better than the 1984 Backus. Both wines have stood the test of time though. I only hope that the '01 and '02 Insignia's age as well. (93 pts.)

This bottle was simply better than the last bottle, which was no slouch. I would rate this a bit behind the '84 and 85 Ridge Monte Bello's, but ahead of the '84 Dunn Howell and the '84 Stag's Leap "Cask 24". No rush to drink these.

1984 Joseph Phelps Insignia - USA, California, Napa Valley (5/29/2006)
Just a wonderful bottle of wine. Nose is reminiscent of a mature Bordeaux. Nice cigar box, leathery nose with a little more fruit than one would encounter with a similarly aged Bordeaux. Much better than the last bottle; just the barest hint of the mint. (95 pts.)