Mondavi Opus One 1998

Robert Parker: A surprisingly feeble garnet/ruby color already displaying pink and amber hues is followed by a Medoc-like bouquet of cedar, plums, cherries, and spice box with hints of sweet oak as well as roasted peanuts. The wine is light to medium-bodied, with fine balance but a short finish. This fully mature 1998 requires consumption over the next 5-8 years. If the Bordelais can significantly drop prices, recognizing the inherent weaknesses in the international marketplace as well as the overall quality of the wines, why can't California wine producers do the same, especially when this vintage is considerably inferior to 1997 and 1996? 86/100 (2002)