1985 Insignia

Fresh, lively notes of spice box, roasted herbs, black currants and plums are followed by a dark, broodingly backward wine with impressive richness, full body and a long finish displaying light to moderate tannins. The acidity is more vibrant and noticeable than in other vintages, but the wine has more than sufficient lushness and extravagance of fruit and glycerin to balance out the structural components. This beauty should continue to drink well for another 15-20+ years. 1985 is often considered to be one of the great Napa Valley vintages. It began with an early flowering, and the almost perfect weather conditions allowed the grapes to ripen slowly. The lack of heat spikes meant that producers could wait for the ideal moment to harvest. 1985 was the first vintage in which I gave a three-digit score to a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (the Groth Reserve made by Nils Venge), but I have always thought that this vintage never lived up to its potential. That said, the 1985 Insignia was stunning. The case production reached an all-time high (for that era) of 4,700 cases, and the natural alcohol came in at 13.5%. It is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc with 25% from estate fruit and the balance from growers. The 1985 spent 13 months in French oak.