1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige

Possessing a textbook, classical feel, the 1998 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige delivers fantastic complexity and has loads of garrigue, sweet spice, lavender, and both red and black fruit driven aromas soaring from the glass. More meaty qualities develop with air, and this medium to full-bodied, balanced Châteauneuf-du-Pape is drinking at point. There’s still plenty of length and grip on the finish, and while it should evolve gradually over the coming decade, I would drink bottles over the next 2-3 years.

Sabon’s 1998 Cuvee Prestige has reached full maturity. Dark plum/garnet, with notes of smoked duck, garrigue, licorice, cedar, and blue and black fruits, the wine is savory and complex. Full-bodied, with a silky texture, loads of glycerin, opulence, and flesh, this wine is at that magical peak of maturity, where it should hold for another 5-6 years. It is drinking splendidly well, for those who own it.

Sabon’s 1998 Cuvee Prestige has reached full maturity. Dark plum/garnet, with notes of smoked duck, garrigue, licorice, cedar, and blue and black fruits, the wine is savory and complex. Full-bodied, with a silky texture, loads of glycerin, opulence, and flesh, this wine is at that magical peak of maturity, where it should hold for another 5-6 years. It is drinking splendidly well, for those who own it. Jun 2010, www.robertparker.com