CdP: 1998 Horizontal

As we approach the warmer months, there is a narrow window to appreciate the depth and secondary complexity of aged Grenache-based blends before the summer sun turns our thoughts to chilled whites. This dinner is a deep dive into the legendary 1998 vintage, a year widely considered a modern benchmark for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, characterized by an exceptionally hot, dry summer that produced wines of immense concentration, structure, and longevity.
Nearly three decades later, these wines have shed their youthful aggression, revealing the "garrigue" spice, leather, and dried fruit notes that only time can bestow. Our lineup features four heavyweights that showcase the diverse philosophies of the region:

• Domaine du Pégau Cuvée Réservée: A quintessential "traditionalist" expression. Expect savory, rustic notes of roasted meats and balsamic, showing the soulful side of the appellation.
• Château La Nerthe Cuvée des Cadettes: Representing the prestige end of the spectrum, this blend (often including a significant portion of old-vine Syrah and Mourvèdre) is known for its polished texture and elegance.
• Château de Beaucastel: Unique for its inclusion of all 13 permitted grape varieties and a high percentage of Mourvèdre, Beaucastel provides a structural backbone and earthy complexity that is unmistakable.
• Château de la Gardine: Known for its iconic heavy, crooked bottle, the wine inside is equally robust, offering a plush, fruit-forward contrast to the more savory styles in the flight.

Whether you are looking to analyze the terroir of the Galets Roulés (those famous heat-retaining pudding stones) or simply want to enjoy a masterclass in bottle age, this is a rare opportunity to see how the "Vintage of the Century" is holding up today.

That said… anyone interested in some mature Châteauneuf before it gets too hot?

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Disclaimer: Please note that these wines are mature. Wine is a living organism and there is a higher risk of disappointment here. If your preference is for younger wines, please skip this one. But for those who appreciate the patience required to age these and the resulting development, you are in for a treat.

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We will be dining at Nice Matin, a favorite of the group. I have personally selected this venue because of their impeccable wine service.
Here is a link to their menu... Nice Matin
Please note that Nice Matin limits the number of credit cards they accept at a given table. So please bring cash or be prepared to pay for your meal electronically.
I hope you can join us!

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Just a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is for the cost of the wines and corkage only!
NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your RSVP and pay for the event. Sorry! Meetup+ members are exempt from this charge.
You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a Zero corkage fee. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.
Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot).
All cancellations are subject to an $7 service fee.
Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!