1998 St Clement Oroppas

[winoweenie]

This is a proprietary blend Meritage made by this fine winery yearly. The final blend is not published but am quite sure they use 3,4, or 5 of the varietals with Cab Sav being the main ingredient. One of the few 98s I bought. Deep ruby color, with black fruits, plums, cigar-box and spices on the nose and all come thru on the palate. Soft entry, solid center and a 3&3/4 lapper finish. Still with some soft tannins in the back. 1-2 should do it. 88/88.37 by the box. 13.8% alc. WW

[Glass_A_Day]

I had it when it was a bit young and the tannins were huge, but so wat the fruit (almost jammy). It must have calmed down a great deal since.

[winoweenie]

Took a break from the Bordeaux bit for dinner last nite and opened another bottle of this. Has improved not only the nose in the last year but the finish seems to have taken on weight. Still some soft tannins in the back but this lil' puppy's almost in the kennel. Just barely at the outstanding area so I'll kick it up to a weak 90. One of the better 98s. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 09-07-2005).]

[winoweenie]

The bugger be there! Nose has expanded and intensified, the palate impression is complete and take this lovely bottle to a solid 90 to 91. Should hold 5-8 WW.

[brappy]

Have not had this one yet, but will say something about the '98s in general. They are really beginning to surprise me. I've been fortunate to taste a few lately (Beringer PR, Insignia, Beringer Knights valley, Alexander Vineyards, Etude, and a few others) and am surprised at how nice these wines have turned out. I have access to some of the St. Clement; I might just have to take advantage of that....

Thanks for the notes!

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