Wine 1998

Our view on the 1998 vintage

In Bordeaux, 1998 was the year of the Right Bank (Pomerol, Saint Emilion) and also of the Graves. The crops were magnificent and of good quality (for Merlot grapes), but in small quantities. In the Medoc, the incessant rains from the end of September to October the 12^th prevented the Cabernet Sauvignon from reaching their optimal maturity (and tannins can be hard). The 1998 Medoc Crus Classes are therefore less exceptional. In 1998 Sauternes, the year is beautiful but the wines are less deep and sweet than in 1997. In 1998 Burgundy, the year 1998 is halfway between 1996 and 1997, but with more heterogeneity. The weather was capricious, but the harvest was sunny. 1998 is rather successful in Cote de Nuits. The wines are structured and fleshy, but sometimes with slightly green tannins. The 1998 Burgundy red wines present a beautiful harmony in Volnay. In the Cote de Beaune and for other whites: hail affected Meursault but also Chablis and it had to be sorted. 1998 was a rather successful year in Champagne, an advantage with powerful and ripe Pinot Noir. Superb year 1998 in the SouthernRhone Valley with red wines of anthology in Chateauneuf du Pape ! Great successes also for 1998 Cote Rotie or 1998 Hermitage. The Loire Valley produces an average vintage, more successful in dry white wines than in sweet wines. In Alsace, the botrytis has developed well leading to beautiful 1998 late harvest wines. The Languedoc Roussillon has produced an exceptional 1998 vintage (which serves as a reference) and red wines are superb. Excellent 1998 Cahors in the South West as well.