1998 Vine Cliff Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 16 Rows Oakville

(91 points) The finest wine I have ever tasted from Vine Cliff is the 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Limited Private Stock. This 300 case cuvee comes from sixteen rows of the estate Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the hillsides above the Oakville Crossroad. This dense purple-colored 1998 offers a super-extracted, rich nose of jammy black currants, spice box, and vanilla. Extremely full-bodied, with a voluptuous texture, massive concentration, and sweet tannin, this 1998 is one of the vintage's finest efforts. It will also be long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2030. Wine Advocate # 132 Dec 2000