1998 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roussanne
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Tasting notes
Showing a rich, honeyed character, the 1998 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is very rich and nuanced, possessing creamy notes of almond paste, crème brûlée, and vanilla that are focused and freshened up by solid minerality that comes through more on the palate. While definitely showing a mature richness on the nose, this stays fresh and lively in the mouth with beautiful balance, a big, mouth filling texture and solid focus that comes through on the finish. Better now than on release? I doubt it, nevertheless, this interesting beauty shows how dramatically these wines change as they age.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes (produced from 50-year old vines) may not be very ostentatious or concentrated, but it is an extremely impressive wine with aromas and flavors of grapefruit, orange marmalade, honey, and white flowers. Full-bodied, dense, and super-concentrated, this is a stunningly pure winemaking tour de force that admirably demonstrates what can be achieved in selected terroirs of the southern Rhone. It should age beautifully for 20 years. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
Deeper but lively aromas of apricot, lime, flowers, nut oil and spicy oak. More concentrated than the last bottle but also bright, firm and evolving slowly. Very long and fresh on the back end. Long on potential.
About the producer
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate is one of the Rhône’s most famous addresses. With a history stretching back to the 16th century, Beaucastel remains family owned and run, with the fifth generation of the Perrin family – Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles, Matthieu and César – at the helm today.