1998 Magdelaine for $110?

[Blanquito]

I got a "private client" offer for a few bottles of the 1998 Magdelaine for $110.

Is this a tempting price? Would I be silly not to take this?

I haven't had many 98 Righties, as most of what I own from that vintage doesn't seem to be anywhere ready (per the Blanquito standard of maturity, at least), so I am not particularly informed about this year. FWIW, Gilman gave the 98 Magdelaine 96 pts 7-8 years ago.

[AKR]

Ahhh the irony. If Magdelaine / Mouiex had ever been able to fetch triple digits for her wines, they might never have folded up the label!

[DavidG]

Never had it, but 1998 was pretty damn good on the right bank.
We had a few good ones at last year’s BWE Convention.

[Winona Chief]

I'd go for it, 1998 was a great year for right bank Bordeaux - better than 2000 I think.

Chris Bublitz

[jckba]

That’s interesting, someone snapped up the 4 btls that were previously available @ Flickingers @ $99/per ...

[Nicklasss]

I would go for it. Can't be wrong, and consider that as Magdelaine doesn't exist anymore, the prices or the remainning bottles can just go up in the future.

Nic

[Comte Flaneur]

Patrick you have to do the honourable thing...

[Blanquito]

Ok, I snagged a few. I guess Nic’s point that Magdelaine is no more sealed the deal. Also that these are unicorn wines in general nowadays in St. Emilion. It just irks that these were $65 not too long ago. I mean, I bought the super hyped 2005 vintage for $50 en futuro. But if it’s better than the 2000 version (which Gilman under rated at 92 pts), it will be money well spent.

[Comte Flaneur]

Well done Patrick ... tough to swallow when prices were significantly lower not that long ago but I am sure you won’t regret it. I paid about the same for my 2000s and having tried the bottle you brought for Saturday lunch in Denver I am very glad I did. I only ever tried the 1998 once a few years ago and it was backward and classic old school, but not lacking in any substance. It definitely was in the Blanquito zone.

[AKR]

We had it among a panel of 98 right banks at around age 10.

It was good, but compared to others didn't stand out.

It's not a wine anyways that leaps out in that kind of setting.

[brodway]

Had a bottle of 1998 Figeac last night for my son's 15th birthday celebration.

Entering drinking window, although some tannins are still there. This is my second bottle in 2 months (from a OWC), and the first bottle was more open. A good example of a claret made in an old school way with a more backward approach and medium weight. Actually quite easy to drink without food, although the 120 oz steak we shared as a family did the wine justice. There is no in your face fruit, but the fruit is there as it sneaks up on the back end. There is sweetness there but its not sweet, there is acidity there but its tricky to identify it as its well integrated. Mostly dark cherry and sweet tobacco flavors, at times suggesting cedar and leather notes. Just a pleasure to drink. Next time i would enjoy this with cheese, dried fruit and a cigar. First bottle 94 points, this bottle 93 points.

[AKR]

Hey welcome back! we haven't heard from you in a while. Jal and I were just noting that when looking at pictures of you from way back thread!

[brodway]

Arv

been quite busy raising kids and taking care of ill parents.


looks like you had quite a dinner in Denver. glad to see the BWE connections have continued to strengthen

hope to see you soon. need to get up to see Gio in NewRo soon too

[Blanquito]

Wow, I just checked the 1998 Figeac on wine-searcher... it’s >$250/bottle! Boy, the AFWE sure have driven up the prices at this chateau.

[brodway]

Blanquito

i don't remember paying more than $50 a bottle for the 98 Figeac. prices of Bordeaux have certainly risen. the saving grace is that good weather has gave way to superb wines being made at estates down the classified growth scale