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The labels reference Erik Mallea’s Basque heritage, depicting 19th & 20th-century aspen tree carvings by Basque shepherds in the American West. Erik’s father, Joxe Mallea-Olaetxe, is a respected scholar of this cultural tradition.

This wine presents abundant aromas of dark cherry and strawberry jam, brown sugar, dark chocolate and cola with hints of cardamom, black pepper, sandalwood and licorice. The bright and vibrant entry accentuates flavors of fresh blueberries and allspice that linger into a creamy, rich mid palate and ends with a luxurious finish. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah.

Winemaker Notes:
"Our 2009 estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep dark ruby color with gorgeous aromas of Bing Cherry. Aged for 24 months in 50% new and 50% once used French Oak Barrels, our Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, fruit forward and suitable for aging. Look for a hint of chocolate and a dash of spice on the palate. The well-structured yet smooth tannins are present throughout the lingering finish and you can count on enjoying this wine for many years to come."

Aging takes place in 50% new and 50% once used French Oak for 24 months

96-98 points Jeb Dunnuck
Much more expressive and complex compared to the backward, masculine Backus Vineyard (which is common when comparing these two cuv??es), the 2019 Insignia offers a gorgeous perfume of cr??me de cassis, chocolate, lavender, dried flowers, tobacco, and leafy herbs. Possessing full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, gorgeous tannins, and just a classy, balanced character, this beauty is going to shine with just 3-4 years of bottle age yet still cruise in cold cellars for 30 years. It actually reminds me slightly of the 1997.

96-98 points Wine Advocate
The 2019 Insignia is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. The vineyard sources this year include: 32% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 23% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 14% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 3% Barboza (Stags Leap District) and 2% El Venadito (Oak Knoll District). The wine is aging for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling to unlock a gorgeous perfume of black cherry compote, stewed plums and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of bay leaves, red roses, underbrush and pencil lead plus a hint of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers impactful black fruit preserves layers with finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and layered. (Tasted as a barrel sample.)

Organic

Review is on the 2016.
97 pts Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate bursts out of the glass with beautiful black cherry compote, warm cassis and freshly crushed blackberries scents plus touches of chargrill, violets, dark chocolate and pencil shavings and a waft of English lavender. Full-bodied, the palate features great intensity combined with fantastic freshness, textured by soft, finely grained tannins and lifted by the most gorgeous floral perfume, finishing long and layered. Beautiful wine.

95 pts Vinous
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is another wine in this range that shows the natural breadth and dimension of the year. Ample, powerful and broad, with real depth...New leather, spice, menthol and sweet dark cherry all build in a rich, textured Cabernet.

Toasty, zingy, lemony flavors in this bright, up-front wine wrap the palate in snappy acidity. Try with raw oysters. - WS86

Soft and straightforward, with a pleasant touch of sweetness to flavors of quince, apple and fig. - WS83