"Clos Mimi's finest effort to date, the powerhouse 1998 Syrah Shell Creek Vineyard (14.9% alcohol) reveals some heat in the finish, but it offers dazzling levels of prune-infused black raspberry and plum fruit intermixed with cassis, blackberries, pepper, violets, and licorice. Made from destemmed, foot-pressed fruit, it is complex, full-bodied, dense, concentrated, and massive. This individualist, distinctive Syrah pushes the envelope. It should drink well for 10-15 years. (93+ Points)"

Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The Wine Advocate
Issue 139
28 February 2002

CLOS MIMI
A NEW AMERICAN CLASSIC, PART II
"When we initially waxed eloquent about the '97 Clos Mimi, we predicted that it and Syrah's of like quality would create a new pantheon of great American wines. We suggested that in ten years time the same superlatives heaped on Cabernet would be heaped on Syrah. Indeed, there has already been more "heaping" than we anticipated. Syrah is hot and getting hotter. Clos Mimi will show you why. It is perfectly ripe, with a rich, almost decadent mouth-feel. Intense flavors of plum, blackberry and cassis cascade over the palate. The striking aromatics suggest violets, truffle and plum pudding. An hour of breathing only serves to enhance these qualities. The '98 is more refined and elegant than the bruising '97. Drink now and over the next five years. A fabulous special occasion wine."

Mark Estrin
The Wine House
Los Angeles
November 2001