Châteauneuf du Pape [chipped wax capsule], 1988

The 1988 is firmly structured and elegant, with sweet, sweaty horse/old leather notes that may or may not be brett. Medium-bodied, earthy, firm, and vigorous, my instincts suggest it has reached full maturity, but I suspect it will always remain a firm, muscular example of Beaucastel without the charm, depth, and intensity of either the 1989 or 1990. In many ways it behaves along the lines of the 1995. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

DRINKING WINDOW 1995 - 2010

date of review 01/2003