1998 La Casenove Cotes du Roussillon Cuvee Commandant Francois Jaubert

Posted by: Marc Hanes

1998 La Casenove Cotes du Roussillon Cuvee Commandant Francois Jaubert - 01-05-2019 13:15:26

Casenove, Chateau La
Languedoc/Roussillon, France
Cotes du Roussillon
Cuvee Commandant Francois Jaubert
Blend
1998
$24.99
13.5%
The black core somewhat dull, not close to opacity despite its lack of true color, the rims show its full maturity, all rusty red and orange, full bricking. At first the nose is all wet sous bois, merde with a metallic edge and notes of peanut shells and ketchup, this moderates very slowly to allow the still formidable blackberry, cherry, cassis fruit through, light menthol and pressed flowers but not many attractive tertiary aromas. Medium-bodied with a soft, plump texture, soaks in well and shows little of the funk found in the nose. Anise, rose petals and something close to eucalyptus but impelled forward by the cherry, plum, currant fruit. Tannins clump up some but mostly resolved. The earthy and leafy qualities show mostly through the finish and, expectedly, retronasally. Seems about 7-8 years past its apogee. 35% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 10% Mourvedre.
87 points

Note: Had this on release as well as later the 1995 vintage and thought highly of it. This bottle showed up on the 'Bid so took a chance. Tired, though, rats.