While certainly lighter weight than other vintages of this cuvee, the 1998 Clos des Papes Ch?teauneuf-du-Pape still highlights the hallmark Clos des Papes elegance and poise with sweet kirsch, garrigue, Asian spice, and licorice aromatics and flavors. Medium bodied and drinking beautifully, this shines on its overall seamlessness and subtlety. Not a big hurry on these - I'd say there's a good 5-8 years prime drinking to go - but don't be afraid to start opening bottles