Wow, a 1998 vintage from Bordeaux and of this calibre for mere $22 - unheard of. This intensely aromatic, medium bodied wine has INTEGRATED to aged notes of red currant, black cherry, leather, violets/pine and vanilla. Tannins are refined and the finish is medium to long (can drink in 30 min, but the longer you decant it, the longer the finish will be). Surprisingly, this wine can be kept for another 5 years before aged notes begin to dominate (I am still in disbelief that this is a 1998 vintage). One thing of note is that the wine's bouquet and finish are a bit disconnected - a wine with such intense aromas should have bolder finish (you will understand what I mean). My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - of course a recommended buy. Tasted Sept/10.

If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recomended-wines-you-can-still-buy

90
September 2010

Cellared this for several years, well worth the wait. It might still sit for a few more years, but it's drinking very well at the moment. Great value.

Tasted August 2013.

Off the peak now