The 1998 Tirant is rich, with a saturated opaque blue/purple color. Extremely full-bodied, dense, powerful, and layered, it possesses impressive seamlessness, opulence, and thickness. The 1998 should drink well for 15+ years. Importer: De Maison Selections, Chapel Hill, NC; tel. (919) 933-4245

A huge, intense wine that still delivers complexity, it’s made from 100-year-old Garnacha and Carinena vines, finished off with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The evolving aromas of licorice, black cherry, toast and lavender lead into big, dark fruit flavors with tannins and acids to match. Drink now–2015.——W.E.(11/1/2002)—— 94