1998 Chateau Pape Clement Cru Classe, Pessac-Leognan 1x75cl

Vinous 93

The 1998 Pape Clement put in a very fine showing, perhaps better than I expected. I had not tasted this for some 12 years. With an open and quite generous bouquet, this is well-defined and fresh with black fruit laced with humidor and damp loamy scents – much more classic in style than expected. The palate is well-balanced with finely-tuned tannins, again, fresh and well-balanced with ample weight of blackberry, raspberry, tar and black olive compote towards the finish. Very fine. Poured from magnum at a private dinner in Puligny-Montrachet. [Neal Martin, 26/01/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045

JancisRobinson.com 18

Deep garnet with a ruby rim. Very glamorous concentration of fruit counterbalanced by appetising freshness. Tannins completely resolved. Served blind, I took it for a Pomerol (I think Michel Rolland would have been the consultant winemaker). Luscious. A very flattering success! [14/11/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2006-2028

Robert Parker 92

Showing signs of maturity on the rim, the ’98 Pape-Clement is evolving gracefully with a delectable tertiary bouquet: touches of damp earth, wild woodland, a hint of mushroom and chestnut tinged blackberry. Very fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, quite sweet on the entry, more advanced than I was anticipating but very well balanced with fine tannins: dusty black fruits, liquorice, freshly rolled tobacco, a hint of allspice with a slightly rustic, but utterly pleasurable finish. This may not be a long-term Pape-Clement, but it compensates in its generosity. Drink now-2020. Tasted July 2010. [Neal Martin, 01/07/2010]

Anticipated maturity: 2011-2020