The 1998 Clos de l'Obac a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Syrah Merlot and Carignan is outstanding. While many Prioratos can be super-rich thick-textured efforts Clos de l'Obac represents a more elegant restrained effort from this highly promising relatively new appellation. Bottled unfiltered and made from meager yields of .5 tons of fruit per hectare this opaque ruby/purple-colored 1998 offers up notes of black raspberries intertwined with strawberry and cherry fruit. As it sits in the glass mineral and subtle oak aromas emerge. Beautifully-textured and pure with high tannin it is a wine of undeniable elegance finesse and concentration. It requires 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for 15+ years. This is unquestionably the most stylish restrained high quality wine emerging from Priorato. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016.