1998 Coteaux Aix Rouge Dom Beates Terra d'Or

Aged in 100% new oak, and bottled with neither fining nor filtering, the 1998 Coteaux d'Aix Domaine des Beates Terra d'Or is an astonishing effort. Opaque purple-colored, with an explosive nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with minerals, flowers, and toast, this massive, concentrated effort fills the mouth with layers of ripe black fruits infused with smoke, minerals, and toast. As the wine sits in the glass, notes of licorice also emerge. A wine of exceptional concentration, purity, and equilibrium, the 1998 Terra d'Or will be at its best between 2003-2020. Oct 2000, www.robertparker.com