Jay Miller
Jay Miller
I didn't take detailed notes but here are some impressions from a dinner last week. My main takeaway is that 1998s in general seem to be drinking well again (as many people know they shut down, opened up, and then shut down again) though most could benefit from some more time. The 1998 tannins are still in evidence but not as prominent as they were 15 years ago. I'm happy I snapped up a fair amount of discounted 1998s back when the 1999s were being released.
1998 Lafarge Chateau de Clos des Ducs - surprisingly delicate, albeit complex, bouquet. Drinking beautifully. Round finish. Still has the 1998 tannins. B+
1998 M. Gaunoux Pommard Epenots - Even more tannic, a bit more rustic. I liked it but others at the table loved it. B
1998 H. Lignier Gevrey Chambertin Combottes - Still tannic but very pure. Some blackberry and meat notes. B+
1998 Faiveley Latricieres Chambertin - Again with the tannins. keeps getting better in the glass. Red fruited, direct and impressive. A-
1998 Fourrier Clos St. Jacques - So elegant and limpid, graceful and light on its feet. More Fourrier than CSJ. Lovely on first pour (double decanted earlier with about 10 minutes in the decanter) it changes delightfully over the course of the evening. Probably my favorite on the palate. First wine not to display overt tannins. A
1998 Clos de Tart - Closed and reductive on first pour it slowly opened up over the course of the evening revealing incipient majesty. Very impressive after 2 hours or so. Should have been decanted :p A-
1998 Arlaud Bonne Mares - Firing on all cylinders from the get go, this wins NOTN (Nose Of The Night). Rather glorious really. Second wine to have tannins fully resolved. A
1998 Lafarge Chateau de Clos des Ducs - surprisingly delicate, albeit complex, bouquet. Drinking beautifully. Round finish. Still has the 1998 tannins. B+
1998 M. Gaunoux Pommard Epenots - Even more tannic, a bit more rustic. I liked it but others at the table loved it. B
1998 H. Lignier Gevrey Chambertin Combottes - Still tannic but very pure. Some blackberry and meat notes. B+
1998 Faiveley Latricieres Chambertin - Again with the tannins. keeps getting better in the glass. Red fruited, direct and impressive. A-
1998 Fourrier Clos St. Jacques - So elegant and limpid, graceful and light on its feet. More Fourrier than CSJ. Lovely on first pour (double decanted earlier with about 10 minutes in the decanter) it changes delightfully over the course of the evening. Probably my favorite on the palate. First wine not to display overt tannins. A
1998 Clos de Tart - Closed and reductive on first pour it slowly opened up over the course of the evening revealing incipient majesty. Very impressive after 2 hours or so. Should have been decanted :p A-
1998 Arlaud Bonne Mares - Firing on all cylinders from the get go, this wins NOTN (Nose Of The Night). Rather glorious really. Second wine to have tannins fully resolved. A
