Guado Al Tasso 1998

"Bolgheri is the source for some of Italy's greatest proprietary red wine blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. No other region in the world (other than Pomerol and St.-Emilion) has produced such great Merlots. The 1998 Guado Al Tasso (a 60% Cabernet Sauvignon/30% Merlot/10% Syrah blend) was fashioned from extremely small yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, spent 14 months in 100% new French oak, and was bottled with minimal clarification. Malolactic was also done in barrel, so the wood is nicely assimilated. The dense ruby/purple-colored 1998 offers a glorious perfume of coffee, chocolate, blackberries, cassis, and vanillin. Dense, rich, supple-textured, and fruity as well as elegant, it will drink well for 10-12 years." -RP 10/2001