WTN: 1998 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine

1998 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

I wasn't expecting a lot from this wine, but it turned out to be was mighty impressive. Paired with a hearty beef stew and homemade noodles. Initially, a waft of kirchiness that had me thinking it would be just another over ripe So. Rhone. But that component seemed to integrate after an hour or so. Extraordinary balance. A CdP I'd categorize as placing finesse above power. Wonderful, if not totally stunning.
Killer juice.

[Jenise]

I've been lucky to have friends who have been cellaring this wine long after I drank my own small supply too early. As you say, stunning.

I am very happy that I have one bottle of this wine left. I had been drinking a bottle every several years, and was quite pleased with how this wine developed. The last bottle I tried was in 12/07; it was beautiful then. Unfortunately, the experience was slightly marred by the fact that we also had a 1998 La Crau that evening; it was even more stunning.

-- Clark

This wine has evolved steadily, getting better every year, and is now singing. What a steal it was, only $28 on release in 2001.

1998 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

I wasn't expecting a lot from this wine, but it turned out to be was mighty impressive. Paired with a hearty beef stew and homemade noodles. Initially, a waft of kirchiness that had me thinking it would be just another over ripe So. Rhone. But that component seemed to integrate after an hour or so. Extraordinary balance. A CdP I'd categorize as placing finesse above power. Wonderful, if not totally stunning.
Killer juice.

Thanks for the heads-up, 'Winger. I do believe that I've got a bottle of this, my only Chapoutier CdP ever, in the cellar. Think that it'll improve any more with age? I'm still not dipping into my '98s much yet.

Mark Lipton

1998 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

I wasn't expecting a lot from this wine, but it turned out to be was mighty impressive. Paired with a hearty beef stew and homemade noodles. Initially, a waft of kirchiness that had me thinking it would be just another over ripe So. Rhone. But that component seemed to integrate after an hour or so. Extraordinary balance. A CdP I'd categorize as placing finesse above power. Wonderful, if not totally stunning.
Killer juice.

Thanks for the heads-up, 'Winger. I do believe that I've got a bottle of this, my only Chapoutier CdP ever, in the cellar. Think that it'll improve any more with age? I'm still not dipping into my '98s much yet.

Mark Lipton

Mark,
I neglected to mention this in my note, but I don't see any need to hurry and drink these up. In fact, a few comments by others who have been tracking evolution would lead me to believe that it should/could continue to improve. Based upon my bottle and the lack of clarity in my crystal ball, I'd venture that a properly stored bottle should go another 4 or 5 years with ease...and, given your liking for aged CdP, your personal drinking window could be longer.
BP