1998 Reserve Claret
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Tasting notes
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. It is long and opulently-textured, with low acidity, fabulous fruit, a succulent, expansive mid-palate, and a blockbuster, long finish. This is compelling stuff! Drink it over the next 12-15 years. The limited production Reserve cuvee (280 cases) is an expression of California winemaking at its most compelling. Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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.