The opaque purple-colored 1998 Reserve Claret (a blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot) reveals red and black fruit scents intermixed with vanilla, underbrush, and mocha/coffee. It is long and opulently-textured, with low acidity, fabulous fruit, a succulent, expansive mid-palate, and a blockbuster, long finish. This is compelling stuff! Drink it over the next 12-15 years. The limited production Reserve cuvee (280 cases) is an expression of California winemaking at its most compelling.