1998 Wine and Port Vintage

Italian: Another very good year for Tuscany and Piedmont, although some Tuscan producers suffered from poor picking timing during the October rains. Those that picked before or after were rewarded with long living wines but to be sure, we would recommend picking a Barolo or Barbaresco from Piedmont. The wines are classics and will drink well now or keep for years to come.
 
Bordeaux: This year favoured the merlot grape, leading to a glorious vintage in Pomerol and St Emilion. This is undoubtedly the greatest vintage for Merlot-dominated wines since 1990, and the quality of the St-Emilions and Pomerols is outstanding being powerful and tannic. The Médoc wines were initially underrated, but properties with the finest terroirs have produced some excellent high-quality wines that are now showing tremendous promise.
 
Champagne: The 1998 champagne has, over the last couple of years, been re-appraised in an upwards direction. What was always seen as very good year is now regarded as an excellent one. The wines are ripe but not overly so, fleshy but with structure to repay cellaring.
 
Portugal: A port wine from 1998 would make an excellent 25 year old wine gift for a birthday or anniversary. This year was not generally declared as a vintage, however a small crop produced some good and powerful Single Quinta Vintage Ports. Colheita or Single Harvest Ports such as Kopke or Barros would make an excellent alternative for port lovers and newcomers alike.
 
Spain: This would have been an exceptional year for Rioja. The weather was mild in winter months with a non frosty Spring offering excellent flowering conditions throughout the summer. Unfortunately, the rain hit hard in mid September forcing an early start to the harvest. By October 12th everyone was picking or had picked, but those who picked late saw the benefit of an Indian summer which allowed ripening to continue in excellent conditions until November 3rd. These later-gathered grapes will, it’s hoped, make some excellent Reservas.

 
This Year in History: Fun Fact: The Eurovision Song Contest was held in Birmingham at the National Indoor Arena.
Eurovision Winner: Israel with the song "Diva" by Dana International
Top Grossing Movie: Armageddon

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