Chateau de Beaucastel Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998

The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape 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.

The atypically Grenache-dominated 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape is fully mature and gives up tons of kirsch, garrigue, licorice and a touch of gaminess in its full-bodied, layered and ripe personality. More rounded and sexy than most vintages, it has no hard edges, plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish. I see no reason to delay gratification, but it will certainly hold for 5-10 years.

Deep, bright ruby. Compelling aromas of black cherry syrup, tar, tree bark, mint and a hint of exotic fruits; distinctly liqueur-like without being heavy. Thicker and more solid than the Coudoulet but less expressive in the mouth. Best today on the very long finish, which features palate-suffusing tannins and a flavor of bitter chocolate. A very subtle wine that will require several years of bottle aging.