Robert Parker 96 points!
"The 1998 is unquestionably one of the great modern day Beaucastels, but because of its high Grenache content, it is different from some of the other classics."
eRobertParker.com # E2003
Jan 2003 Robert Parker 96 Drink: 2004 - 2031
"This wine performed even better than my high accolades in issue #131 suggested. The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape is the greatest effort produced since Beaucastel's 1989 and 1990. It reveals more accessibility, no doubt because the final blend included more Grenache than normal. Its dense purple color is followed by sweet aromas of blackberries, licorice, new saddle leather, and earth. There is superb concentration, full body, low acidity, and high tannin, but it is surprisingly drinkable for such a young Beaucastel. Ideally, it needs another 3-4 years of cellaring, and should keep for 25-30 years."
Wine Advocate # 138
Dec 2001 Robert Parker 95 Drink: 2004 - 2031
"Accessible is the spectacular 1998 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape. This effort includes more Grenache (40%) in the final blend, as well as 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the balance from other authorized grape varietals.
It is an explosively rich, remarkably flattering Beaucastel, even after bottling. Bottled early in the summer, the 1998 is flamboyant, no doubt because of the larger than normal percentage of Grenache. It boasts explosive richness, thick, juicy blackberry and kirsch liqueur, smoke, licorice, roasted meats, and truffles. The acidity seems low (analytically it is the same as 1999), and the wine fat, full-bodied, and intense. It will be hard to stay away from this wine, even though it will evolve for 25-30 years."
Wine Advocate # 131
Oct 2000 Robert Parker 95 Drink: 2000 - 2030
"The superb 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, with the balance other permitted grape varieties. The color is a dense saturated purple with blue highlights. Huge, rich, and full-bodied, with high tannin, and a layered finish, this is not for readers seeking a Chateauneuf du Pape to drink at an early age. Its mouthcoating extract does not totally conceal the significant tannin. It appears 8-10 years of cellaring will be warranted; the wine should last for 3-4 decades. It achieved 13.7% natural alcohol."
Wine Advocate # 125
Oct 1999 Robert Parker (92-94) Drink: 2007 - 2039
Country:
France
Region:
France- Rhone Valley Southern
Variety:
Wine Red - Grenache
Size:
750mL
