1998 Irvine Grand Merlot

90 Points - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion

“Medium red, with some purple; the moderately intense and complex bouquet shows the extended barrel maturation yet does not unduly compromise the fruit, which really flowers on the palate. Here most attractive sweet berry is married with totally integrated and sympathetic oak helping to provide a mix of savoury and cedary overtones.”

90 Points - Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate

“Irvine's top cuvee, the 1998 Grand Merlot, is produced from exceptionally ripe fruit, and is aged in new French oak for 30 months prior to bottling. While it appears to possess 10-15 years of aging potential, a vertical tasting last year proved otherwise. This cuvee is at its best during its first 4-5 years of life, and then, for reasons that perplex me, seems to lose it. Nevertheless, it is super-impressive young - flamboyant, exotic, and kinky, with copious quantities of super-rich black cherry fruit infused with toasty new oak, and loads of lavishly rich coffee, espresso, and chocolatey notes. Not recommended for those seeking restraint or European-styled elegance, this is an in-your-face, New World Merlot to drink over the next 5-6 years.”