At a Vintrust tasting and dinner with Bill Phelps:

1978 Insignia (en mag)
1985 Insignia (en mag)
1995 Insignia (en mag)
2001 Insignia (en mag)

Some of the people loved the '78 and '85 but I did not. The style then was "eucalyptus" and these had more than a little Colgate. Take that out and these would be great wines. These wines were not decanated ahead of time and they did improve quite a bit in the glass but the Scope was still there.

The '95 was very nice (about a 90 pointer IMO) but it was completely overshadowed by the 2001. This is a blockbuster drinking great right out of the chute. These two wines had been decanted for 1.5 hours. The fruit is very forward and the alcohol and acid are in great balance. You know the tannins are there not because you taste them but because it leaves your mouth salivating for food or more wine. Nice long finish also.

We also tasted the 2002 Ovation Chardonnay. Had a nice graham cracker taste but like a graham cracker it was very dry. If I'm going to have a Chardonnay this would not be the one.

The 2001 Insignia can be purchased and taken home at the winery. At present there is no limit on the number of bottles you can purchase.

After the tasting at a small dinner with Bill Phelps he poured the 1995 and 2001 Backus Cabernet Sauvignon. We also had some more 2002 Ovation Chardonnay and a surprise at the end: 2003 Eisrebe.

Both Backus' were pretty good but IMO could use another 10 years. They were both pleasant but not blockbusters.

The Eisrebe was really disappointing. I am currently drinking the 1995 vintage and it is indeed sweeeeet (pun intended). The '03 seemed weak to me but maybe it will get better with some age. I am looking forward to the release of the 2004. Get in early on this because they only make 300 cases of half-bottles.

I have mixed emotions here. I'm happy to hear your opinion of the 2001 Insignia- I bought two double mags. I'm sorry to hear about the Eisrebe, a wine which I have always enjoyed in its youth for its rich grapey flavor and bracing acidity. I don't think they improve with age.

david,

thanks for the info on the 01. now i am starting to wonder if i should buy more

Quote:

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BoardO said:

I don't think they improve with age.

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First did you ever think you would hear BoardO say this?

BoardO,

I have two half-bottles of the1996 Eisrebe left. I have been drinking a bottle about every six months for several years. It is currently drinking better than ever. I'll try to remember to pop one this weekend to confirm this.

Thanks for the TN on the 2001, Pops. Now I **really** need to get some of this.

I agree 100% on 01' Insignia. I had the 01' last weekend and had week to think about it...... I had 94 - 00 this year and 01' just might be the best Insignia ever

ever! those are some strong words, but considering we seem to agree on a lot of wines i will take that as a bonded statement my friend.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: The 2001 Insignia is an awesome wine. It is better than the 95 or 97, both of which I think are great. It is awesome now and will age for years and years. Not an everyday drinker at $90, but still belongs in everyone's cellar.
Parker only gave it a 95, which I think is a couple points short.

Thanks Randy. Insignia is a bit pricey for me, but with the reviews I've seen here, I've got an order in for 6 750s and 2 mags. I think it'll be worth the big hit to the Visa!!!

bud,

aren't you starting to worry we might need to buy some more? i sure am

Possibly. As you wisely said in several prior posts, this stuff is not likely to sell out in a week!!!

Maybe on Oct 23rd... , we could conduct an experiment!

I've got four coming....all I can afford right now. I think I'll crack the first on around 2010.

I just took a tour of Phelps' web site.

2001 Insignia $140
or if you belong to one of the clubs $112.

Do we have any club members here? Maybe we could set up a group tour on Monday or Tuesday after the VC dinner in October.

I'm in the Phelps Prefered club and might be able to work something out.

I'm a member of Phelps Preferred. I bought my two double mags from them on futures for $385 apiece.

I belong to Phelps preferred as well. Fun wine club, not too much wine, what I get is usually good quality at a reasonable price. I'm shocked they are located in Napa.. Thought there was a rule you had to overcharge for wine there

I was also at the tasting. I was very surprised at how ell the 78 was still drinking (though remember that all of these wines were from magnum and were perfectly stored at the winery). My memory of this wine was that it was very "light" when I last had it years ago and I'm very surprised at the longevity here. The 85 was spot on, and youthful. Actually Mr Phelps himself mentioned that there was once more mint or eucalyptus in California Cabernet (most famously Martha's of course) and, in addition to styles changing, the eucalyptus has pretty much vanished from the Napa Valley since replanting. I miss it! But then I liked the older Heitz Martha's very much indeed. I don't understand the Colgate comment.

The 95 was terrific, and, in truth, I didn't notice a big difference between it and the 2001, and this is high praise. Incidentally Bill Phelp's favorite Insignia is the 91. The Ovation was a lovely Chardonnay- i don't like them sweet- but for the money I'd probably head towards the Ramey Hudson.

What Randy said, happy member of this club.

Phelps is offering the 2001 Backus for $150 retail, $120 for club members. I think this is a "pass" for me, cellar is full of 2001 Cabs