1998 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate
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Tasting notes
This has a tarry edge to the nose with red plums and licorice along with tanned leathery nuances. The palate has taut tannins that carry roasted beet and blackberry flavors. Blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Drink now.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
Though it has been on the market for some weeks, this wine is wrapped up tight as a drum. Firm fruit suggests black cherry, blackberry and cassis, and it shows underlying streaks of dark, mineral-saturated Red Mountain terroir. The weight and dimension of this wine, borne out in past vintages, is not immediately apparent in this latest release—give it time to breathe and it begins to open gradually, revealing layers of smoke, tar, spice and coffee underneath the tight fruit. — Paul Gregutt