Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape, 1998

The 1998 vintage brought Vieux Donjon into the spotlight. It was named Wine of the Year both by the Wine Advocate and the Wine Spectator. I brought out this bottle for my 77th birthday and did not take notes. My impressions, though, were positive.

I have had bottles of Vieux Donjon from 1993 and 1994 that were bigger and more traditional in style. By comparison, this 1998 was graceful and elegant. The fruit flavors--cherry, anise, pepper--were not dramatic but graceful, smooth and well defined. It has aged nicely.