carl thornblade

9.0

A little green in flavor (as in unripe), too acidic, but had some elements of tropical fruit, just not full and ripe. Has potential but not the best. — 3 months ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.2

Wow! Very cool and fresh. The zin notes- grape, dried strawberry and tamarind, are presented in a lovely, cool frame. — 3 years ago

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

David Walser

9.3

At our second special Caymus dinner on Sky Princess serving this wine. I’ve had lots of Caymus wines over the years. This is in line with the brand, but not what I remember from the wines from the late 70’s. As the price increased, I lost interest. It’s ok, but I feel there are better wines at the price point for the Cabernet Sauvignon. — 8 months ago

Justin Colby

9.3

Crisp pineapple, ripe honeydew, and a hint of peach on the nose. Medium mouthfeel, bright acidity, subtle capsicum, and a crisp, dry finish. Lingering floral notes in the aftertaste. Intriguing and satisfying. Delicious with roasted/broiled asparagus. — 4 years ago

Justin Bothur

9.0

Currant candies, cherry pie, raspberry jam, rosewood, blood orange and beeswax. Warm and powerful for Willamette. A bit young and taut. Maybe in five years it will show what it can really do — 4 years ago

Kurt Schuster

8.9

Large and bright flavors of berries, Varian cherry pies, baking spices, with good acidity. Virging almost towards jam but sticking nicely in the baked pie category it stays taught and sweet. — 4 years ago

Nancy Janzen

10

First enjoyed with Dave Roesler at Luna in 2017 or 18. It was $70. Found it for $20 this winter of 2022 at Lazy Acres and shared with the Hidegs. Also amazing — 2 years ago

Allyson O'Keefe

9.5

Plum, mashed cherries, subtle green bell pepper, & cocoa on the nose. Amazing wine. Pure cherry cordial, cocoa, grippy raspberry pie, & boysenberry jam. This is delicious. I prefer it in a tighter glass, as it brings out the tannic backbone & the fruit a bit more. — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

Consistent excellence. Pure gold in the glass with a creamy mousse and a ton of tiny, fine bubbles. On the intoxicating nose you’ll find some smoke, apple cider, and orange peel. Tasty honey and apricots make their presence known here. Just hints of the yeast and toasted nuts for now but will be more present as time goes on. Oak, dark fruit, and some really lively violets top this off.

So much richer and more voluptuous than most similar offerings, Bollinger always stands out from the pack. Quite the vivacious champagne, this is full of life and full of power. Muscular in nature but still has more than enough finesse with a velvety mouthfeel. The complexity and depth is definitely a step above, due to the amount of reserve wines used in the blend.

The palate pleases with chalk, apple pie, and lemon rind. More orange and the thought of warm biscuits to go with baking spices and pears. Long finish featuring spice and cream. How many other entry level bottles from the other big champagne houses can compare? Excellent champagne, a beautiful journey. — 4 years ago