Blind tasted from basic wine glasses.

The wines are actually quite similar, with modest fruit, soft tannins and wood that is present, but not overdone.

I think the regular bottling is drinking better, but the reserve shows a little more complexity.

Decent wines, and while better than I expected from '98s, nothing to get excited about.

I agree with your assesment. Both these wines seem to reflect the weakness of 98 vintage. Have had both of the reserve 99's and are drinking very nicely.