Artadi Grandes Anadas - 1998 (750ml) Napa Valley A distinctly menthol-infused nose speaks

A distinctly menthol-infused nose speaks of red and black pinot fruit

and surprising depth as well as persistence

This rite of passage could not be made clearer than when you taste the 2010 base Brunello di Montalcino next to the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ripe al Convento

The 1986 is one of the greatest Granges for my palate

A brilliant effort in the vintage

Artadi Grandes Anadas - 1998 (750ml) Napa Valley A distinctly menthol-infused nose speaksAt the top of the Artadi hierarchy is this limited production cuvees. Grandes Anadas is a majestic, age worthy Rioja that may well be the single greatest wine made in that appellation. The 1998 Grandes Anades (100% Tempranillo from 70 100 year old vines) has only been made twice in the last seven years, 1994 and 1998. It is tannic and highly extracted, with lots of body. It is a broodingly backward, formidable wine with amazing concentration, purity,