Pape Clement 1998

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!

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.