Vintage Rating: 88/100
Arnoux VR Suchots
Vivacissimo V5 on the nose! On the palate even better - crammed with sweet and luscious fruit. A sensual wine that doesn't quit... Has a 'quaff me now' quality which means that you are in danger of drinking a bit too fast! Slow down boy! This is supergood stuff - 94 W+!
DRC Richebourg
This wine immediately shows the richer and darker side of the '98 finish. Although you still smell the granat, it is from a very dark red one. So it isn't as bright as LT...smells like deep brooding fruit and a panoply of mulling spices. On the palate immediately has a volume and presence which announces itself as great. Very full and lovely fruit and for my palate better than LT at this stage. Nice structured finish goes off into the horizon - 95 W+.
Dugat-py Chambertin
Nose is good; on the palate...completely disappointing. Lacks structure and fullness. Everywhere are holes in the palate... Pretty enough but not worth the high price tag - 90.
Groffier Chambolle Musigny Haut-doix
Pretty wine with nice floral aromas...somewhat light but charming enough - some oak...90.
Georges Jayer Echezeaux
Flamboyant nose of pomegranate and spices. Incredible ripeness and length, but now primary and as yet undeveloped...94 W+.
Leroy Latricieres Chambertin
Nose of cinnamon and Morello cherry deep dish pie with cinnamon – smells like Mrs. Smith's pie! (And then you realize that Mrs. Smith's has hydrogenated oil in it - hah!) But nice balance and harmony on palate...no blockbuster – it seems that even better ‘98s lack enough backbone for greatness - and this is already quite ready but will last - 92.
Leroy Musigny
A nose of dense dark fruit that lacks clarity... On the palate this is a fine wine with nice round tannins but it is a bit heavy and straightforward, not more not less. Not enough Musigny dirt here. Finish is of decent length. Will probably develop quite well in the bottle and last for a long time - 91.
Copyright © Peter Wittenberg
