1998 Domaine Pontifical Châteauneuf-du-Pape - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (4/13/2008)
Still rather primary and fruity with prominent tannins and a good fresh leather streak. Delicious and with plenty of life left. The fruit does tend towards the more plummy and pruney side of the spectrum, so those looking for bright, fresh Grenache cherries and bubble gum had best look elsewhere. But there's nothing at all to suggest this wine is on the downhill slide. It's just got the ripeness of 1998 that is not to everyone's taste. I've had fresher '98s, but also many where the pruney side of the fruit went much further. If you want something to accompany roasted meats then this is just the ticket.