Made in a light style, the medium-bodied 1998 Cinq Cepages (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit-Verdot) exhibits a sweet nose of toast, earth, cedar, licorice, black cherries, and chocolate. There is excellent concentration, but because of the vintage conditions, this wine does not possess much volume, breadth of flavor, or intensity. Drink it during its first 10-12 years of life.

Excellent balance, with supple, complex currant, plum, herb, dill and cedar notes that are focused and ripe. Loses a little intensity on the finish. Mild tannins make it appealing now. Drink now through 2006. 8,400 cases made. -JL