1998 Vieux Chateau Certan, Pomerol, Case of 12 btls

NM95 "Tasted at the Bipin Desai’s VCC vertical in Los Angeles. This is obviously one of Alexandre Thienpont’s favourite vintages under his tenure (so far) – no wonder he was disappointed when I told him the bottle was tainted. Sipped from another glass, this is patently developing a precocious bouquet brimming with cassis, blueberry and violet scents, spilling over the top of the glass. The palate is concentrated, silky smooth, viscous, almost opulent in style with a slightly lower level of acidity than I expected. A ravishing, Reubenesque finish, this is a decadent VCC that is turning out to be a generous wine. Drink 2012-2035+. Tasted November 2008." NM for WJ Jul 2013

WS94 "Rich and decadent on the nose, with raspberry jam and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with an almost dusty texture. Long and seamless, with beautiful, firm tannins and a racy finish. Wonderfully delicate sweet fruit on the finish. Needs a few more years to open. -- '88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Best after 2011. 3,000 cases made." Published on June 30, 2009