Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac 1998

This vintage is a classic old school claret, but classic in a good way. There is a softness to the tannins, coupled with freshness, smoke, truffle, cigar box and cassis that ends on a spicy note. This could get even better with another 3-5 years of age. Interestingly, the blend did not include any Cabernet Franc, it was made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The large percentage of Merlot in the blend seems to have added a lot of softness to the wine.