Wine Advocate June, 2010 Between 1978 and 2007, this 1998 is the greatest Vieux Telegraphe that was produced. It has taken a good decade for this wine to shed its tannins and come out of a dormant, closed period. It has finally emerged, and notes of iodine, seaweed, black currants, incense, and sweet cherries as well as hot rocks jump from the glass of this full-bodied, powerful wine. It possesses considerable elegance and purity, along with loads of raspberries and incense, in a round, juicy, rich style that is just emerging from the closet. The wine is still youthful and a pre-adolescent in terms of its ultimate evolution. Approachable now, it will continue to evolve for another 15-20 years. Bravo! Just beginning to blossom, the 1998 is, for me, the finest Vieux Telegraphe made in 20 years (since the 1978). A spectacular effort, it boasts a deep ruby/purple colour and huge concentration, but it was beginning to open in 2004. It is a very rich, full-bodied wine, yet it has considerable elegance. A beauty! Anticipated maturity: now-2020 (95)