WTN: 1998 St Emilion

Last night I broiled lamb chops, while Betsy prepared squash and a cheddar cheese risotto (thanks to Mike F for his FLDG post on that idea). Wine was the 1998 Ch. Grand Corbin Despagne (St Emilion). Initially I found redder fruit than in past- nose of cherries and red plum, with a little vanilla and floral notes. With air the more familiar black plum and berry profile emerged, some oak, hints of smoke and earth. Modern without being over the top, enough acidity to keep lively. Some tannins remaining, but ripe easy ones. Tasty bottle of reasonably priced St-Em, though not for staunch traditionalists. B+

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.

Thanks for the note, Dale.
Although I don't have this wine, the note is of interest to me as it provides helpful data point for the few 98 Right Banks that I have stashed away.

[David M. Bueker]

Sounds like an OWHT on the WWOL scale.

Sounds nice. This wine has a high percentage of Cab Franc, right?

How in general are the 1998 St-Emilions drinking now? I bought quite a few and haven't tapped any for several years.

Matt, I think somehere around 25%.
'
David,
wouldn't be my first choice to open if Otto decided to visit NY

Ramon and Clint,
My general feeling on '98 RB is that the satellites are mostly ready (and have been, saving a few top Fronsacs and LdPom). I think the midlevel St Ems and Pomerols (this, Fonroque, Fombrauge, Clos Rene, Gazin, Nenin, Rouget, etc) are probably entering mature phase, no hurry. I think it's too early for the wines like Pavie-Mac, Magdelaine, Figeac, Trotanoy, etc. I don't own any of the very top tier in '98 (Cheval, Petrus, etc) but assume they are long ways away.

Of course, these are gross generalizations, and individual wines might differ. Soutard for instance is midlevel, but is so traditional I won't open for another 10-15.

I've got an 02 in the cellar that my Mom brought back from France for me...hmmm...