The 1986 Insignia, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, is much more forward and developed than the 1986 Backus Vineyard. The exotic, sexy fragrance of roasted coffee, sweet cedar, red and black fruits, spices, and ginger struck me as vaguely reminiscent of the 1947 Mouton-Rothschild. In the mouth, the wine is another animal, exhibiting sweet, juicy fruit, medium to full body, and a surprising herbaceousness that is nicely balanced by the wine's lush, concentrated fruit, high glycerin, and overall size. This may be a controversial Cabernet given its exaggerated personality, but I loved it! Fully mature, it should continue to drink well for another decade. 1986 was the last outstanding vintage for the Joseph Phelps portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignons until the 1991 vintage (although 1990 was good, it was not as superb as the vintage's quality would suggest).
Stephen Tanzer: NA
Robert Parker: 90
Wine Spectator: NA
Staff: NA
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