Saturday, February 6, 2016

Domaine du Haute des Terres Blanches Chateauneuf du Pape, 1998

This has to be one of the biggest wine disappointments I have ever had. I loved the wine, as others did, at early tastings when it was first released. The estate has well situated vines and a reputation for long aging. The 1993 and 1994 Haute des Terres Blanches are drinking beautifully and getting better with age. But this 1998 tonight is horrible. Muddy brown color, muted  but unappealing smells and horribly bitter flavors. Does not resemble wine or even vinegar. I left it open and continued to sample it for several hours, but it only got worse. Then, down the drain.

This may have been one bad bottle, but it doesn't smell or taste like any corked or heat-damaged wine I have ever had. The cork did not show signs of serious leakage. Unfortunately, I have read online reviews on Cellar Tracker reporting tasting experiences similar to mine. I have other bottles I will sample in the weeks to come.

I'd love to hear from others who have tasted this wine recently.

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