A serious, structured, moderately-tannic effort, the dense ruby/purple-colored 1998 offers aromas and flavors of black raspberries, cherries, plums, Asian spices, earth, and new oak. Although it possesses a fat, succulent mid-palate as well as excellent sweetness from glycerin and ripeness, it requires an additional 2-3 years of aging. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2015.