Still nicely colored, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape from the Maurel family is comprised of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre and the balance Cinsault and Vaccarese. While it doesn’t have the grandeur of current releases, it’s still a beautiful wine (the best bottle of this I’ve had actually) that reveals mature notes of licorice, olive tapenade, roasted herbs and dry aged beef. Medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced and distinctly Provencal, enjoy it over the coming couple of years.