Fisher Cabernets are almost always high quality.  They have three different bottlings, designated at the "Lamb Vineyard", "Wedding Vineyard", and "Coach Insignia".  The Coach Insignia wine used to just be called "red wine". because it was essentially a Bordeux blend (Meritage).  In 1998, they changed the designation to Cabernet Sauvignon, although they still blend in merlot and cab franc.  Why the name change?  Probably because of some marketing specialist who advised them to do so in the late 1990's.  At any rate, the 1997 Coach Insignia is 77%cabernet sauvignon, with the remainder being cabernet franc and merlot.  It is a terrific wine, and is right now at its peak.  A nice, albeit slighlty restrained California aromatic profile of blackberry, currant jelly and cocoa is followed by a rich palate coating elixir.  There is a heavy mouthfeel.  The heavy tannins on the finish are well concealed by the abundant fruit.  A 20 second finish lingers sweetly on the back of the tongue.  An overall delightful wine.  3.75 stars.  If the bouquet was a little stronger, it would have merited a higher score.

 

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