1998 Chateauneuf du Pape

Mont Redon’s 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape showed beautifully and had a still lively, youthful color to go with pretty spice, black cherry, blackberry, roasted herbs and licorice. It’s medium-bodied and more elegant than rich, yet is about as silky and drinkable as they come. Made from 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 8% Mourvedre and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties, aged in equal parts stainless steel and barrels, it’s beautiful now, but I’m sure will hold nicely for another decade.

65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 5% ‘others’. Browning garnet. Meaty with a touch of liquorice; savoury, mushroom, undergrowth. Smooth, silky, fresh and lively. (JH)

Dark crimson. Rather good red wine – not necessarily Châteauneuf. Together and harmonious from a very modern address surely. This is not typical Châteauneuf but will please some people. Not a bad wine… (JR)