The 1995 Insignia may be slightly better than the 1994 - as hard as that is to believe. The final blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon 7% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. The 1995 exhibits a character similar to the 1994 - cassis fruitcake cedar herbs coffee and black fruits intermixed with smoke - but the 1995 is slightly longer in the mouth. It is a wine of extraordinary extraction full body and marvelously pure fruit. Moreover it has managed to soak up the 100% new oak aging leaving only subtle pain grille notes. The tannin may be slightly more noticeable in the 1994 but my instincts suggest the 1995 is even richer and longer than the 1994 - as amazing as that sounds. This prodigious Insignia should be at its best over the next 20-25 years.

Very Bordeaux-like in its complex cedar currant and anise aromas. Firm concentrated and still quite tannic it is bold and rich with layers of currant plum mineral cedar and tobacco flavors many of which are still in their youthful primary stage. While it is certainly approachable (best decanted) it appears to have the concentration and stuffing to go another decade. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Petite Verdot.--1995 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2015. 10000 cases made. -JL