Bolgheri is the source for some of Italy's greatest proprietary red wine blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. No other region in the world (other than Pomerol and St.-Emilion) has produced such great Merlots. The 1998 Guado Al Tasso (a 60% Cabernet Sauvignon/30% Merlot/10% Syrah blend) was fashioned from extremely small yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, spent 14 months in 100% new French oak, and was bottled with minimal clarification. Malolactic was also done in barrel, so the wood is nicely assimilated. The dense ruby/purple-colored 1998 offers a glorious perfume of coffee, chocolate, blackberries, cassis, and vanillin. Dense, rich, supple-textured, and fruity as well as elegant, it will drink well for 10-12 years.
