This splendidly perfumed 1988 offers up a veritable smorgasbord of aromas, ranging from smoky, toasty, new oak, to jammy, blackcurrants, and oriental spices. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, seductively round, expansively flavored, with a luscious and velvety finish. This gorgeously made, highly extracted wine should drink well for the next 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: Now-2004.

A very strong effort, and the first of a marvelous trilogy of wines from Canon-La-Gaffeliere, this dark plum/ruby-colored wine has a terrifically perfumed nose of smoked meats, jammy cherries and black currants, toast, roasted Provencal herbs, coffee, and a hint of chocolate. The wine is full-bodied, very rich and concentrated, with a bit more density and structure than the 1989. It is a wine that should continue to age beautifully even though it has hit its plateau of drinkability. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 10/02.