Tasted at the château, the 1998 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has really developed in commendable fashion in recent years. It had a striking bouquet with intense blackberry, wild strawberry and graphite scents, a vivacious bouquet that is less austere than other vintages. The palate is very well balanced with a smooth texture. Like the aromatics, I feel this is more approachable because its backbone is not as 'stiff.' The salinity on the finish tempts you back for another sip of this hidden gem of late-nineties Bordeaux. (NM)

The 1998 Grand Puy Lacoste replicates previous showings of this wine at 20 years of age. It has a clean and precise bouquet with blackcurrant, graphite, heather and light raspberry coulis aromas that blossom in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, finely balanced, perhaps just a touch of greenness around that edges although that merely lends freshness. This is a not deep or structured Grand Puy Lacoste, quite saline towards the finish with moderate length. This is drinking now and will continue to do so for another 15 years or more. Tasted at the château. (NM)

The 1998 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste was made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot brought up in barrel. It’s showing nicely today and has a regal bouquet of black fruits, leafy herbs, dried flowers, and cigar wrapper. Medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and elegant, it’s a classic, textbook Pauillac that’s right in the middle of its prime drinking window.