1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was bottled in late June, has turned out even better that I thought last year. It boasts a saturated ruby/purple color in addition to an expressive bouquet of cassis, minerals, and smoke. This multi-textured, round wine exhibits sweet, well-integrated tannin, a great mid-palate and finish, as well as spectacular purity and palate presence. Consume it now and over the next 15-20 years. There are 500 cases of this wine. As most readers know, this wine has become the ultimate collector's Cabernet Sauvignon, routinely fetching $800 to as much as $2000 a bottle at wine auctions. Of course, this makes no sense to me or Screaming Eagle's owner, the amiable Jean Phillips, who sells the wine for $125 a bottle. Unquestionably an exquisite wine, it offers remarkably rich creme de cassis aromas and flavors in an unmanipulated, compelling fashion. The winemaking is assisted by well-known consultant Heidi Barrett. From the red, iron-rich soils of the Oakville District, the wine is aged in 65% new French oak for 18-20 months. (Release date 10/01) Tel. (707) 944-0749; Fax (707) 944-9271

The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was bottled in late June, has turned out even better that I thought last year. It boasts a saturated ruby/purple color in addition to an expressive bouquet of cassis, minerals, and smoke. This multi-textured, round wine exhibits sweet, well-integrated tannin, a great mid-palate and finish, as well as spectacular purity and palate presence. Consume it now and over the next 15-20 years.

Good medium ruby. Aromas of cassis, redcurrant, cocoa powder and tobacco, with a vegetal trace in the background. Focused and precise in the mouth, with lovely texture and sweetness. Notes of blueberry and tobacco. Finishes juicy and long. With extended aeration, this impeccably made wine showed richer aromas of black raspberry and mocha, and a fatter texture, with strong but harmonious acidity enabling the wine to maintain its shape. Certainly one of the half-dozen strongest cabernet-based wines from this difficult vintage.