1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard

Showing spectacularly, the 1998 Domaine de Beaurenard (Paul Coulon et Fils) Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard has integrated every ounce of its oak elevage and is a pure, incredibly youthful Châteauneuf-du-Pape that should not be missed by Rhône lovers! Deep, rich aromas of currant, garrigue, licorice, toasted spice, and dusty mineral all show on the nose and the wine is silky and powerful on the palate, possessing a full-bodied, rich texture, awesome freshness, and beautiful length and focus on the finish. I’m a big fan and given how fresh and vibrant this is, it should easily continue to shine for another decade or longer.

Still young and needing more time, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Boisrenard still exhibits, even at age 12, some vanillin, oaky, espresso notes from its barrel aging, but also abundant creme de cassis and black cherry, as well as some chocolate, licorice, and tar. Dense, rich, full-bodied, but one of the more backward and youthful wines of the vintage, this wine begs for another 4-5 years of cellaring and should last 20+ years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 189 Jun 2010