1988 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France Magnum

(92 Points) This has a charming, rustic nose of leather, candlewax, black pepper and a touch of peat. The palate is cohesive and harmonious, not in the same league as the ensuing couple of vintages but with good poise and definition, notes of ripe black cherries, blueberry and iodine with vibrant acidity lending it a clean crisp finish. Perhaps a little linear compared to others but still a great, mature CdP that is a joy to drink rather than intellectualize about -Wine Advocate