Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1998

98 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "A hot vintage in the Rhone, good in the north but even better in the South, particularly in Châteauneuf. Very much plum in colour, this has aromas of spices, sweet earth and a touch of black cherry amongst the strawberry and plum fruits. It's silky on the full-bodied palate, with sweet fruit and some gentle balsamic notes. It's remarkably tannic still for its age, with good acidity, and even at nearly 20 years of age nothing is sticking out or ungainly - it displays impressive balance. Drinking Window: 2017-2028. (10/15/17)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "Has a mature brick hint at the rim, but this is still very youthful, with an elegant, silky core of red and black currant fruit that holds the upper hand over the garrigue, graphite and licorice notes. The long, very fine-grained finish lets an alluring incense note peek in. A beauty, this is all about finesse and should cruise in the cellar.--1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape retrospective. Drink now through 2027. (9/30/07)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The reds commenced with an evolved, yet gorgeously perfumed and complex 1998 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Always surprisingly open and mid-weight for such a ripe vintage, it nevertheless has a suppleness and sheer drinkablity about it that is hard to resist. On this occasion, it showed a more burly profile of matured red fruits, iron, garrigue, and meat that flowed to a completely mature, integrated palate. Fading slightly over the evening, it is a noble Châteauneuf-du-Pape that should be consumed over the coming handful of years. (12/18/12)"