Vino Chateauneuf du Pape rouge 1998: Decanted into a ship’s decanter two hours before dinner, though I did

Decanted into a ship’s decanter two hours before dinner, though I did monitor its evolution throughout the evening every ½ hour or so. Light cherry red with a pale pink rim. I found fresh cherry and noticeable thyme instantly. With time, the herb element became more intense and nuances of fine tobacco revealed themselves. My first sip was just the start of the pleasure trip. Spicy, old vine Grenache fruit took over my palate. A strong thread of acidity whacks my tongue and the ultra ripe tannins dry the inside of my mouth slightly to remind me that this is still a young wine. With air, the palate softens, the length gets even longer and warming. A stunning wine that needs three hours breathing to really get going. Quite a different personality from the 90 Beaucastel but an excellent wine nevertheless.