Von Strasser's 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain is a soft, straightforward, medium-bodied offering with good plum/black currant fruit intertwined with licorice and lead pencil.

Dark red-ruby. Perfumed, somewhat herbal aromas of cassis, charred oak, currant leaf and tobacco. Moderately sweet and in a rather pliant style for Diamond Mountain cabernet, with nice balance and dusty, ripe tannins. This rather stylish wine should be approachable early. Finishes with sneaky persistence and a late note of leather. (ST)

Has all the right ingredients, but needs time. Solid, if a bit rustic and chunky, with oak holding the upper hand over the ripe plum and berryish flavors.