keep
Variable quality but the finest of the wines have good colour and structure
Weather Conditions
Flowering was protracted, and the summer was warm and dry if not especially sunny, with high temperatures in August. September was marred by rain, but there were ten days of fine weather between 16 and 26 September.
Best Appellations
Unfortunately not all grapes were ripe by 16 September, and some estates waited. Outbreaks of mildew and oidium caused further problems, so strict selection was essential. Early assessments of quality were negative, but now the wines are in bottle it is becoming clear that, although patchy, 1998 can be excellent, with deep colour and ample structure. The Côte de Beaune will be more consistent; the greatest wines are likely to come from the Côte de Nuits.
Best Producers
Comte Armand; Marquis d’Angerville; Robert Arnoux; Denis Bachelet; Ghislaine Barthod; Chandon de Briailles; Bruno Clair; Claude Dugat; Dugat-Py; Engel; Forey Père & Fils; Henri Gouges; Jean Grivot; Anne Gros; Michel Lafarge;
Comtes Lafon; Domaine des Lambrays; Leroy; Méo-Camuzet; Gérard Mugneret; Dr. Georges Mugneret/Mugneret-Gibourg; Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier; Perrot-Minot; Domaine de la Romanée-Conti; Georges Roumier; De Vogüé.
Plus the following merchants for both colours: Bouchard Père & Fils; Drouhin; Vincent Girardin; Jadot; plus Faiveley; Dominique Laurent and Nicolas Potel for red wines and Morey-Blanc for white wines.
