The 1998 Merlot (a blend of 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.3% alcohol) offers a blueberry, menthol, and berry-scented nose in addition to crisp but fleshy, pure, long, layered, supple flavors gently touched by spicy oak. This wine has turned out even better than expected.