This wine slipped through the a blind tasting with everyone mistaking it for a sumptuous first-growth Bordeaux. When told the identity of the wine, one of the Belgian tasters quickly announced he was going to "order 100 cases." I was quick to point out that (1) the wine is already sold out, and (2) less than 1,000 cases were produced. I have always thought this was a terrific wine, but it was outrageously delicious in this blind tasting. The wine boasts an opaque purple color, followed by a gorgeously sweet nose of blueberries and blackberries intertwined with smoky, toasty oak. The enormously opulent texture, viscous richness, and huge quantities of sweet, pure fruit were deftly balanced by just enough acidity and ripe tannin. This full-bodied, awesomely-endowed wine has never shown better than it did in this blind tasting against some of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux. Although soft enough to be drunk, it promises to evolve for at least 20 years.

Dark, intense and compact, the focused black cherry and currant flavors giving a rich feel on the palate. A spicy anise finish brings out the supple tannins. An impressive debut, but this wine will only be available directly from the winery, or in restaurants. Best after 1998. 250 cases made. -