ORIGIN: Our 1998 Andrus Reserve is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec selected from plantings at Gary and Nancy Andrus' home estate vineyard in Rutherford. VINEYARD: Planted in 1975 and 1983, the Andrus estate vineyard was one of the first narrow spaced vineyards in California. It lies on twenty-five acres at the base of the Mayacamas foothills on an alluvial fan with nutrient-packed clay soils. The vineyard is densely planted, with 1,815 to 3,000 vines per acre, to promote competition and controlled stress on the vines, thus maximizing the concentration of fruit flavors. WINEMAKING: Harvested in October 1998, the wine underwent extended maceration for 18-20 days in the tradition of Bordeaux to promote the development of elegant texture on the palate, and was pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 100% new, heavily-toasted French oak barrels for 18 months. The 1998 Andrus Reserve was bottled without fining or filtration in May 2000. TASTING NOTES: Collectors will find a medium-bodied, dark ruby wine that is elegant and graceful with a luscious bouquet of concentrated black fruits. It is reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux in its supple texture and complexity. Layers of briar, mulberry, cranberry, cassis, and cinnamon are wrapped in spice, leather, hints of tobacco, and bittersweet cocoa. The 1998 Andrus Reserve is well balanced with firm structure and depth. Cellaring for ten years or more will enhance elegance and character. Extremely limited. Only 700 cases as well as 1.5L, 3.0L, and 6.0L formats.