Château Pomeaux 1998

The 1998 Bordeaux wine vintage did not have an auspicious beginning. Following on the heels of a moderate winter, April and May were cool and moist, lacking sunshine. After an even flowering, in late May and early June. June and July offered little promise, with a shortage of sun and warmth. But August, with abundant heat and sunshine and temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Pomerol for several days, was perfect! These high temperatures and a hailstorm that struck Pomerol in August forced many growers to perform a severe green harvest.  That green harvest added to the concentration of many 1998 Pomerol wines. September provided much needed rain and favorable weather, allowing Pomerol vineyards to be picked under splendid conditions. Stunning, powerful, and sublime wines were produced in Bordeaux in 1998. The best wines of Pomerol in 1998 are superior to those produced by Left Bank and other Right Bank properties. Wines from Pomerol in 1998 are rich, muscular, concentrated, ripe, pure, lush, opulent, and offer hedonistic charms.

The 1998 vintage of Château Pomeaux was harvested in the first week of October 1998 and, after extended aging in new oak barrels, the wine was bottled in September 2000. The 1998 vintage of Château Pomeaux has been uniformly praised and is greatly admired for its concentration, opulence, elegance, and balance.

REVIEWS

Le Guide Hachette des Vins

“This vineyard has made a sensational debut with its first harvest! That may not seem difficult, given that the wine is made from pure Merlot grapes grown on a ferruginous gravel and clay soil. Even so, the result is impressive. The very dark colour has brown-black glints, and the nose releases a powerful yet subtle combination of red-berry, stewed-cherry and spice aromas, along with notes of mocha, leather and oaky toast (still somewhat dominant). The palate is warm, rich, dense and structured by finely-textured tannins which are still fresh and show that the wine has very good aging potential. After a success like this we await further delights in the vintages to come.”

Wine Spectator

“Plenty of sweet berry aromas here. Full-bodied and round, with ripe tannins and a sweet fruit aftertaste. Almost outstanding.”

JAMES SUCKLING

Score 90/100

“A wine with soft and silky tannins, fresh berry, plum and cut herbs such as lemon grass. Ready. First vintage from here and delicious.”

Decanter

“Very deep and rich nose of coffee and ripe cherry. Full bodied, plenty of round tannins and long finish. Perfect harmony among its structured components.”

Le Nouvel Observateur

“A star is born in Pomerol with the 1998 vintage. Pure merlot grown in furrugineous clay and gravel, matured in new oak barrels. Impressive result.”

Wine Spectator

“Good Pomerol. Lots of plum and raspberry aromas with hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a medium finish. Delicious.”

Christos Kehagias 

“Phenomenal wine. Slightly spicy notes.”