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.

Which 1998 wine to buy? Our 1998 best buying advices

If you wish to invest in a bottle of wine from 1998, we advise you to give priority to the wines of 1998 Pomerol, 1998 Saint Emilion and 1998 Graves  : 1998 Evangile, 1998 Petrus, 1998 Angelus, 1998 Cheval Blanc, 1998 Pavie, 1998 Tertre Roteboeuf. As for Pessac Leognan, 1998 Haut Brion, 1998 Pape Clement or the 1998 Mission Haut Brion are excellent, and in white 1998 Laville Haut Brion like 1998 Haut Brion Blanc produce 2 magnificent wines. The Medoc Crus Classes are dominated in Pauillac by 1998 Lafite Rothschild and 1998 Mouton Rothschild (extremely powerful and long lasting) followed by 1998 Ducru Beaucaillou, 1998 Leoville Barton and 1998 Leoville Las Cases in Saint Julien. The choice in red Burgundy can be directed towards the Cote de Nuits or Volnay in the Cote de Beaune. The whites wines are successful in Chablis Grands Crus (excellent 1998 Chablis les Clos from Francois Raveneau). In Rhone, superb 1998 Cote Rotie from Guigal or 1998 Hermitage from Chave. 1998 Beaucastel in Chateauneuf du Pape is a reference. 1998 Chateau du Cedre in Cahors in the South West. Finally, why not a great red wine from Languedoc: 1998 Grange des Peres, or a sweet Alsace (great 1998 Gewurztraminer SGN Quintessence by Leon Beyer!).   

Would you like to buy a 1998 vintage wine? Are you looking for a 1998 vintage wine as an anniversary gift? Discover our selection of wines, anniversary vintages, and grand crus from 1998 vintage ! At Vins & Millesimes, our wines bottles and 1998 magnums are always 100% in stock, fastly delivered, and at the best price!