1998 Bordeaux

1998 vintage is well-known for its superb Pomerol and St Emilion production. In fact, Merlot-based wine performed the best since weather was exceptionally good during harvest. Medoc's Cabernet was less fortunate as harvesting was done during the wet rainy days.

Wine Spectator : Score 90 - Outstanding

Split vintage: monumental for Pomerol St Emilion and those who picked before rain. The rest is good but slightly dilute.

Wine Advocate : Superb Vintage in Pomerol, St Emilion and Graves

Spectacular for St Emilion and Pomerol and to a lesser extent, Graves. Medoc had problem with high tannins due to under-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. After bottling, tannins has sweetened. Wines now show more balance, depth and harmony. This vintage turned out to be a very good one.

Clues for purchase:

Look for lesser-known estates of the right bank. You would be able to find many extremely good value items.
Look for estates of the left bank that are able to cope well with the wet weather like Chateau Lynch Bages, Clerc Milon and Leoville Barton etc. Prices of the left bank are quite stable so you would be able to get some reasonably priced items for drinking.
Prices of Medoc wines are generally 20-25% lower than 1997. Southern Medoc like appellation of Margaux can be a good choice since wines turned out to have sweeter tannins and riper fruit. So look for good Margaux offers.

Updated on November 23, 2001
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