"Bright deep red. Reticent but superripe aromas of strawberry and pepper. Supple and intensely fruity in the mouth, with complicating notes of spice and pepper. Finishes with dusty tannins and very good persistence. Serious Cotes du Rhone." -Stephen Tanzer
Robert Parker
RP90
"The 1998 Fonsalette Côtes du Rhone is dark ruby/purple-tinged and tannic. The attack and mid-palate reveal rich, concentrated, peppery, earthy fruit. Most readers would probably assume the Cotes du Rhone will be ready to drink at an early age, but this full-bodied, dense, structured 1998 requires 3-4 years of cellaring."
Wine Spectator
WS93
"Gorgeous and unique. Thick and silky, it's loaded with rich fruit, licorice, lead-pencil, mineral and dried plum character. Full-bodied, it manages to explode with fresh, vibrant and succulent flavors."