92 pts - Wine Advocate
A spectacular effort, the 1998 exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous bouquet of overripe black cherries intermixed with blackberries, blueberries, licorice, and smoky oak. Full-bodied, low in acidity, opulent, fleshy, and undeniably disarming, it offers layers of fruit in addition to sweet tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2016.- Robert Parker Jr. (04/2001)
85-88 pts - Wine Spectator
A bit one-dimensional but the fruit concentration is very good, with velvety tannins and a rather short fnish. (1999)
93 pts - Vinous
Deep ruby. Primary aromas of blackberry liqueur, griotte cherry, bitter chocolate and minerals. Sweet, fat and dense, with excellent clarity of flavor thanks to bright acids. At once fruit-driven and powerful, with hints of exotic wood spices. Finishes very long and pure, with firm but thoroughly ripe tannins coating the entire palate.- Stephen Tanzer (05/2000)