WTN: Wow -- a stunning 1998 CdP

Medium bodied, the wine is at its peak and will hold for some time. The wine is ripe, but not over the top. Tannins are silky smooth; the balance is impeccable. Aromas and flavors are presented in layers of complexity, with red fruits predominating. The finish goes on for minutes. I can tell already my remaining bottles are in dire danger of consumption in the near term -- just delicious. Oh yeah, the wine -- Bosquet des Papes.

So, inquiring minds want to know...what's the name of this delight?

heh, heh ... edited it just under the wire to beat your post...

Is this the second wine of Clos des Papes?

Is this the second wine of Clos des Papes?

Negative. The chateau is owned by Maurice and Nicolas Boiron. The Boiron family has made wine on the property since 1860. The average age of the vines is about 50 years. Their traditional rouge normally consists of 75 percent Grenache, 10 percent Syrah, 8 percent Mourvedre and 7 percent other (Cinsault, Vaccarese, Counoise).

Clos des Papes is owned by Paul Avril and is another excellent house IMHO. I have a few vintages in the cellar.

Many thanks for that!

Randy,
Are you opening these '98s to get an idea about the vintage, or are you now viewing '98 as a vintage for drinking near term? I ask because I haven't cracked any of my '98s (nor, for that matter, any of my '95s) and instead have focused my energies on drinking up my remaining '89s, '90s and '94s.

Mark Lipton

Are you opening these '98s to get an idea about the vintage, or are you now viewing '98 as a vintage for drinking near term?

A little of both. From the bottles I've opened so far, the vintage is certainly ready to enjoy now. I don't believe it will make old bones as the 95 will. I'd advise people to start trying a few bottles here and there.

As far as this wine, I think one prediction 'Drink now through 2015' is very optimistic.