Burgundy (Red) - 1998

Variable quality but the finest of the wines have good colour and structure.

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 16th and 26th September.

Unfortunately not all grapes were ripe by 16th 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.