Saturated ruby-purple color. Very sexy aromas of crystallized dark berries, espresso and bitter Chocolate. Huge, thick and mouthfilling, with compelling sweetness and spicy character. Boasts great depth of flavor and ripe acids for the vintage. But chewy, ripe tannins hit the palate very late. A remarkable '98. ($110, a blend of 60% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon & 5%petit verdot).

The Opaque purple-colored 1998 Reserve Claret (a blend of 60% Merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot) reveals red and black fruit scents intermixed with Vanilla, underbrush, and mocha/coffee. Long and opulently-textured, with lower acidity, fabulous fruit, a succulent, expansive mid-palate, and a blockbuster, long finish, it is compelling stuff!! Drink it over the next 12-15 years. (280 cases made).