The 1998 Merlot (100 cases) exhibits an opaque purple color in addition to dense, chewy, full-bodied, succulent, fat flavors loaded with black cherry and blackberry fruit intertwined with mocha and chocolate notes. Full, concentrated, and thick, this effort is amazing because La Palazzola's Merlot vineyard is only 6.17 acres in size. The wine spent 12 months in 100% new French oak, and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Drink it over the next decade. A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620