772 | Wine | Napa Valley, 1.5 L

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags’ Leap District (Napa Valley) is quite pretty in this vintage. A warm, resonant bouquet laced with espresso, plums and spices meld into expressive dark berries as this mid-weight, polished Cabernet opens up in the glass. Hints of raspberry jam, rose petals and mocha are layered into the persistent finish. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is rarely inexpensive, but this is about as good as it gets for the money."

"This fine new release, with some bottle age, shows signs of subtle maturity. Aromas of mocha, cedar, dried currant and spice box follow through to a full body, This is well-built, with fine balance and good length."

"A wine of great density, focus and concentration, with tiers of ripe blackberry, wild berry, mocha, espresso and black licorice flavors, ending with a tight, firm, fine-grained tannic backbone."

"Fragrantly ripe black and blue fruits are enhanced with molasses, clove and creamy oak spices. Brightly focused on entry a fleshy almost kirsch-like quality develops mid-palate with smoky mineral notes. Rustic power develops at the finish with a flourish of fine tannins and malt chocolate".

"A gorgeous, totally voluptuous wine, the 2009 Insignia bursts from the glass with exuberant blue and black fruit, grilled herbs, cloves and cassis. In 2009, the Insignia is silky and polished, yet there is considerable underlying tannin that needs time to soften. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the huge, structured finish. I imagine the 2009 Insignia will enjoy a broad drinking window. It is striking today, but also clearly has the stuffing to age for many, many years."

"The tannins are velvety soft and the wine is beautifully textured and full-bodied. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is the first example of this cuvee to include Merlot (about 14%) in the blend. The Merlot component has given the wine a cocoa/chocolate nuance to its black currant, licorice-infused fruit. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.