90 -93 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 1999

Readers trying to find some of the estate's finest wine, the Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes, will be pleased to know that 1998 is the largest production ever (30,000 bottles). In 1998, the quality of the Mourvedre and the other varietals was superb, allowing for a more generous production of this classic. A blend of 39% Grenache, 37% Mourvedre, and 24% Syrah aged in 100% small barrels, this wine, which is vinified in open wood cuves, and given a Burgundian-like treatment of pigeage (the mashing of the fermentation cap manually to break up the skins and extract more flavor and color), is impressive. It will not be released until 2001, but it possesses a saturated dark ruby/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of blackberries/cherries, minerals, vanillin, and spice. Tannic, full-bodied, and superbly-concentrated, with multiple flavor dimensions, this well-textured wine behaves like a skyscraper on the palate. The longer the wine sits in the mouth, the more nuances become apparent. It should have an uncommonly long life of 20-30 years.

93 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2000

The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes (to be released in 2001) was made from a blend of 39% Grenache, 37% Mourvedre, and 24% Syrah. Full-bodied, powerful, and fat, with layers of concentration, this modern-styled Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits new oak, loads of glycerin, extract, and richness, and a complex nose of black fruits, minerals, toast, and spice. Big and weighty, it should drink well for two decades.

96 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 2003

The 1998, which has put on considerable weight since I first tasted it, is a blend of 39% Grenache, 37% Mourvedre, and 24% Syrah. It possesses a dense purple color as well as a glorious bouquet of blackberry liqueur intermixed with aromas of white flowers, licorice, and hints of minerals and garrigue. Full-bodied, chewy, and thick, its enormous wealth of fruit and glycerin conceals substantial tannin. To my taste, this classic is the greatest Des Cadettes made to date (but watch out for the 2001!). Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025.

94 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, February 2001

Bright ruby color. Superripe aromas of blackberry, plum, roast coffee and charred oak. A wine of great sweetness, ripeness and depth; almost too big for the mouth. A step up in concentration and texture from the normale Really explosive fruit currently hides the suave tannins. One of the stars of the '98 vintage. (Clicquot, Inc., New York, NY) 94 points

96 points,

Wine Spectator, December 2000

Seductive and sexy, this world-class red is rich, opulent and ripe, with layers of superb mocha, toast and spice. Loaded with blackberry and cassis, its fabulous balance leads to a long fruit-and-oak finish. Very tempting now. Best from 2005 through 2030. 3,905 cases made. (PM)

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