The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes actually showed better than the Reserve, which normally doesn’t make sense. There are no oxidative issues with this wine. It has a dark plum/ruby color with no lightening at the edge, and exhibits sweet black raspberry, blackberry, charcoal and creosote notes, with some garrigue, pepper, and meat juices. Full-bodied, opulent, and close to reaching full maturity, this wine should last for another 5-7 years.