By Julie Carpentier
The uninterrupted flowering cycle took place in normal conditions as from the end of May till early June. After a cool start to the summer, a very dry, hot and sunny month of July was followed by an intense ripening up to late August…
These extreme summer conditions led to a high level of concentration, thick skins, high levels of anthocyans, tannins and sugar. Early September provided much needed rain, but the grape skins were thick and free of rot. The weather remained nice for most of September, allowing Pomerol and St. Emilion to be picked under splendid conditions, benefiting the earlier ripening Merlot. The Cabernet was brought in 2-9 October, and although less ripe than the Merlot, was still of excellent quality.
The main characteristics of the 1998 vintage throughout the Bordeaux vineyard can be summarized by a very good vintage in Pomerol, St Emilion and Pessac-Léognan, some good classic wines from the Médoc.
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At their best from the right bank, the 1998 Bordeaux wines display considerable elegance, charm, opulence and concentration. They are rich, ripe, pure and opulent and should be kept for another decade. Today, left bank wines show beautiful red fruits opened wine aromas on the palate and have a lingering finish — a “must drink now” !
This “Bordeaux Terroirs” is the perfect opportunity to revel in the pleasures of the hedonistic Bordeaux 1998 vintage : Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Bahans-Haut-Brion, Cos d’Estounel, Lynch-Bages, Lascombes, Cantenac-Brown, Léoville-Poyferré.
“Bordeaux Terroirs” Wine o’clock
Tuesday March 14th at 2pm
