The medium to dark ruby-colored 1998 Les Ausines Coteaux du Languedoc-La Clape has the potential to ameliorate with cellaring. It reveals smoked bacon, spices, and blackberry aromas. This well-focused, medium-bodied wine is redolent with cassis, dark berries, juicy cherries, and sun-roasted herbs. This excellent value is firm, full of character, and has a long, tannic finish. Projected maturity: 2002-2008. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524.