1998 Pape Clement
By Chateau Pape Clement
1998 Pape Clement from Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux
Embarking on a voyage through the métier of fine wines, one must inevitably traverse the storied grounds of Chateau Pape Clement. Particularly, the 1998 Pape Clement stands as a testament to the virtuosity employed in exacting an exemplar vintage from this historic estate.
The Quintessence of Terroir: A Vintage Emboldened
In assessing the 1998 Pape Clement, one encounters a harmonious blend shaped by the vibrant terroir of Pessac-Leognan. This vintage emanates an enviable structure that underpins its enduring character. The season's climatic idiosyncrasies etched a narrative of concentration and balance into every bottle - this is not merely a Bordeaux; it's a historical codex bound by tannins and time.
A Sensorial Tapestry: The 1998 Narrative
The 1998 vintage unfurls with opulent layers of ripe black fruits, cassis and subtle smoky nuances, interlaced with a core of minerality distinctive to its origin. Its evolution in the bottle has bestowed upon it a mélange of complexities with an undulating finish certain to enrapture even the most discerning palates. This is a wine that articulates the profundity of its year—a year that witnessed experienced vintners skillfully navigate an erratic climate to curate exquisite expressions such as this.
In investment terms, the prestige of Chateau Pape Clement aligned with the deft execution of the 1998 vintage makes for an astute addition to any discerning collector's portfolio. As it enters its peak maturity, this wine is not merely holding strong—it's ascending.
Connoisseurship Contextualized: An Investment in Excellence
To indulge in the 1998 Pape Clement is to partake in a chapter of enological lore that perennially captivates investors and connoisseurs alike. This bottle presents not only a sensory indulgence but also a tangible asset bedecked with potential appreciation inherent in its storied provenance and crescendoing maturity.
Those looking towards holistic ennoblement of their collection should consider the wisdom encapsulated in the 1998 Pape Clement—a liquid emblem symbolising both history and tangible value.
Market price (GBP)
£1,370.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
105.38
Scores and tasting notes
A prodigious effort from Pape Clement, this wine is smokin'! It boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a terrific nose of charcoal, blackberries, cassis, tobacco, minerals, and spice. This brilliantly-focused, medium to full-bodied 1998 already reveals a boatload of complexity as well as a remarkably long finish. A large-sized effort for this estate, it exhibits a sweet mid-palate and ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025. Bravo!
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #134
Showing signs of maturity on the rim, the '98 Pape-Clement is evolving gracefully with a delectable tertiary bouquet: touches of damp earth, wild woodland, a hint of mushroom and chestnut tinged blackberry. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, quite sweet on the entry, more advanced than I was anticipating but very well balanced with fine tannins: dusty black fruits, liquorice, freshly rolled tobacco, a hint of allspice with a slightly rustic, but utterly pleasurable finish. This may not be a long-term Pape-Clement, but it compensates in its generosity. Drink now-2020. Tasted July 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2011