Touches of cocoa bean, espresso, chocolate shavings, clear concentration, blackberry and raspberry fruits, cracked black peppercorns, spiced cedar and earth. A franction of a dip through the mid palate, but showing no signs of fading away. One of the most enjoyable 1998 Left Banks that I have tasted recently - but not at the level of the best Right Banks from the vintage. Served from magnum. 80% new oak.

If it were not for the ferocious tannin that compresses its personality and gives it a certain leanness this 1998 would have merited a higher rating. Other than the questionable tannin level it is a well-made dark purple-colored wine with aromas and flavors of cassis and toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied and muscular but backward tight and abrupt this should turn out to be a very good to excellent effort but the tannin level is worrisome. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2017.</P>