Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 96 points

A bigger, richer wine than the Cuvee Chaupin, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is full-bodied, rich and silky on the palate, with classic Janasse notes of barbecue smoke, licorice, peppery herbs and smoked black fruits. I’ve been lucky enough to have multiple bottles of this recently, all of which have shown beautifully. There’s no upside, but it will continue drinking nicely through 2023.

Review date: August 2015

Wine Spectator: 94 points

Dark and surprisingly brawny, with bacon fat, prune, cocoa and toast notes leading the way. Hints of cedar and beef chime in on the slightly chewy finish, which shows a roasted edge. Has impressive power, but the note of torrefaction is atypical for the vintage.--1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape retrospective. Drink now through 2020. 1,000 cases made.

Review date: September 2007

Vinous: 93 points

Saturated bright ruby. Sweet, liqueur-like aromas of black fruits, cocoa powder and licorice; showing its mourvedre component today. Impressively dense and sweet but quite closed today in the middle. At its best now on the wonderfully expanding peacock tail of a finish, which features lush, dusty tannins, superb persistence and a late note of black pepper. Has the vibrancy and structure to reward extended aging.

Review date: November -0001