1998 CHÂTEAU PAPE CLEMENT 1998

(11-2021) Deep garnet with a ruby rim. Very glamorous concentration of fruit counterbalanced by appetising freshness. Tannins completely resolved. Served blind, I took it for a Pomerol (I think Michel Rolland would have been the consultant winemaker). Luscious. A very flattering success!

(01-1999) Sweet, deep and seriously complex nose with nuances of violets, roses and undergrowth. Quite tough and chewy with searing tannin levels and notable acidity, but the fruit is there. Serious and extracted, outstanding potential.

(10-2018) Dark, intense and evolved color. Moderately aromatic nose, with ripe fruit, with a touch of overripe and tar. Full on the attack, very fruity in the middle, mellow and dense, the wine accelerates on the finish, a bit firm, but sappy and long.

(02-2014) The first vintage of Pape Clement with the stamp of Bernard Magrez is probably drinking at close to its peak today, with a tobacco, cherry, earth, smoke and truffle nose. The wine starts soft on the palate, but there is a dusty, rough note in the finish that is a little harsh. Still, the spicy, dark fruits and cocoa in the end are quite nice. There is probably no real hurry to drink this wine, but I am not sure it needs more age.