1998 Domaine de la Janasse, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vieilles Vignes 1x750ml

Robert Parker 96

A bigger, richer wine than the Cuvee Chaupin, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is full-bodied, rich and silky on the palate, with classic Janasse notes of barbecue smoke, licorice, peppery herbs and smoked black fruits. I’ve been lucky enough to have multiple bottles of this recently, all of which have shown beautifully. There’s no upside, but it will continue drinking nicely through 2023. [08/12/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2023

Vinous 93+

Saturated bright ruby. Sweet, liqueur-like aromas of black fruits, cocoa powder and licorice; showing its mourvedre component today. Impressively dense and sweet but quite closed today in the middle. At its best now on the wonderfully expanding peacock tail of a finish, which features lush, dusty tannins, superb persistence and a late note of black pepper. Has the vibrancy and structure to reward extended aging. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2001]