Robert Parker |
100 RP - A rock-star 1999 that's drinking at point (like most wines in the vintage today), it should continue to evolve nicely going forward. Shockingly good, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape le Secret du Sabon tastes like a hypothetical blend of the 2007 and the 2001. Powerful, massive, concentrated and beautifully ripe, it offers notions of kirsch, currants, peppered meats, Asian spice and licorice in its seamless, yet voluptuous and hedonistic personality. It's a crazy good bottle of wine that could be considered over-the-top by some, but who cares when it's this good? If I had bottles, I'd line them up for drinking as you don't want to miss this beauty while it's drinking at point.
The unreal, 100-case micro-cuvee produced from extraordinarily old vines called Le Secret des Sabon is a perfect Chateauneuf du Pape. It coats the palate with extraordinary levels of black cherry, kirsch liqueur, raspberry, and pepper-infused fruit. Unctuously-textured, with a sumptuous, compelling, meaty richness revealing notes of barbecue spice and earth, it is extremely long with a finish that lasts 50+ seconds. This monumental as well as majestic Chateauneuf du Pape can be drunk now or cellared for 30-35 years.
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