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For my money (and I have some in the cellar), the 1998 Haut-Brion is the finest vintage from this estate between 1989 and 2000, surpassing the 1990. While it remains decidedly youthful at age 25, it is beginning to stir, unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berry fruit, cigar wrapper, loamy soil, pencil shavings and burning embers. Medium-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's layered and elegant, with refined tannins, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. Exemplifying the ideal of intensity without weight, it enjoys a slight edge over La Mission Haut-Brion in this banner year for both properties. (WK)

This special old barrel was bottled by our friends at Dornoch Distillery under the festive Dornoch Castle Hotel Anniversary label. This series of exceptionally curated casks was selected to commemorate 25 years of independent family ownership of the special property in the gorgeous little eponymously named town. The hotel is the site of both the original Dornoch Distillery and the fabulous whisky bar that Phil and Simon worked so hard to curate in the early years. It remains one of the world’s great whisky bars, tucked into a little corner of the hotel’s modest restaurant. It is simply unconscionable that the fabulous Glen Garioch distillery remains underappreciated by the wider whisky loving world. Founded in 1797 in the town of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire, Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries. Long known for its robust Highland character, the distillery always maintained a muscular, cereal driven style that stands apart from many of its softer contemporaries. Today it remains a traditional plant with direct fired heritage and a reputation among insiders for producing spirit of remarkable texture and depth. That relative lack of mainstream recognition has translated into extraordinary opportunities at the higher end of the spectrum. It is remarkable that Thompson Bros has been able to secure such a high quality old Highlander at such a reasonable price. The obvious sleeper this year, but those who take the plunge will be greatly rewarded.

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Peter Michael "Le Moulin Rouge" Pinot Noir. Wine Advocate: "The 1998 Pinot Noir Le Moulin Rouge reveals tell-tale black cherry and raspberry characteristics, is deep and rich... A medium-bodied wine with zesty acidity.."" (01/2000)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Paul Autard "La Côte Ronde" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (97WS, 95JD, 93RP, 92ST). Wine Spectator: "Fantastic red. Big-bodied, velvety and suave, with mocha, spice and gorgeous ripe fruit, it walks a thin line between modern and traditional, delivering mineral and terroir quality thanks to its great concentration. The fruit and tannins are so sweet. *Highly Recommended* (PM)" (12/2000)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine Advocate: "The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley reveals complex aromatics of spice box, fruit cake, new oak, and dried herbs. Its frontal attack offers plenty of black currant fruit, licorice, olives, and Provencal herbs. (RP)" (08/2002)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Château Rayas "Reserve" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (93WS, 92VN). Wine Spectator: "This continues to evolve, and always benefits from a lot of air time in the glass (or decanter), which allows its lilting, perfumy aromas and light color to become more concentrated and darker. Cherry, rose petal, pine forest, spice and mineral notes hang on the supple frame with deceptive grip on the finish. (JM)" (09/2007)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 DRC Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-St-Vivant Grand Cru (94JM, 94RP, 91BH, 91DC, 90ST). Wine Advocate: "Tasted blind at Harry Gill’s annual lunch. The RSV ’98 has a rounded, sensuous nose with aromas of mulberry, raspberry, a touch of leather, mint and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, quite robust with firm, what you might describe as “big-boned” tannins more reminiscent of a gutsy Chambolle. Nonetheless, it exhibits superb concentration and great weight in the mouth, leading to a slightly meaty, Musigny-like finish that lacks the finesse of Romanee-St.-Vivant. As DRC’s go, one might describe this is a ‘burly’ RSV, but still utterly enjoyable. (NM)" (07/2010)

Distilled at Auchentoshan in 1998, this Lowland single malt was matured for 25 years in a single bourbon cask and bottled for Old Malt Cask’s 25th anniversary. Auchentoshan is renowned for triple distillation, a practice uncommon among Scotch malt distilleries and central to the Glasgow-area producer’s identity.

Easily one of the most picturesque properties in the Gers, Chateau Vacquie has extreme potential thanks to its special terroir and passionate proprietor. There's absolutely nothing typical about Chateau Vacquie or its owner Bruno Compagnon. This special domaine has been identified by experts as being of exceptional quality. Most notably Aubert De Villaine, a friend of Bruno's who's personally examined the domaine and declared it be one of the finest in the southwest. Getting the approval from the owner of DRC does not begin to describe the incredible quality that lies within the chai of this exquisite domaine. The "Limited" releases are exactly that, only 2-3 bottles available to us and represent some of the finest spirits we've ever encountered of any kind. This stupendous vintage will never gain the legendary recognition it deserves simply because only a very lucky few will ever be afforded the opportunity to experience the incredible quality that this special unsung domaine has to offer. A superb spirit that has more in common with the oldest Single Malt, rarest bourbon or Rum than any modern day Armagnac production. Best Armagnac, Fest’Armagnac 2026.

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 1998 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco. Bruno Giacosa joined his family's winery at the tender age of 15, so this wine was made under his watch. Monica Larner writes in Wine Advocate: "A legendary figure in a land of legendary wines, Bruno Giacosa, passed away in Alba on January 22, 2018, with his daughters Marina and Bruna at his side. He was 88. Following a stroke in 2006, Giacosa had slowly retreated from the spotlight. His daughter Bruna has managed the eponymous winery and vineyard these past years. ... Bruno Giacosa will be remembered for his keen ability to recognize the best growing sites for Nebbiolo, Barbera and the other great grapes of Piedmont. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the cru sites of his beloved Langhe." (06/2018)

Bid on this magnum of 1998 Piper-Heidsieck "Cuvée Rare" Champagne (1.5L) (97WS, 93ST). Wine Spectator: "Mouthwatering, with rich notes of smoky mineral, truffle and toasted hazelnut underscoring lovely layers of black currant, crystallized honey, espresso, dried pineapple, ground ginger and cumin. The long, lasting finish is all about the creamy bead, which sits like finely woven silk on the palate. Tasted from magnum. Drink now through 2033." (11/2013)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Bodegas Mauro "Terreus" Castilla y León (93ST, 91RP). 93 points Stephen Tanzer: "Bright, saturated ruby to the rim. Knockout nose combines black raspberry, black cherry, Valrhona chocolate, mocha, roasted nuts and exotic spices. Hugely concentrated and deep, but extremely unevolved today; dense and thick but sound acids and strong mineral character give shape to the dark berry and torrefaction flavors. Supple, thick tannins saturate the entire palate. Still tightly wound, but very long on the aftertaste. A worthy successor to the extraordinary '96 bottling." (Sep/Oct 2000)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Trimbach "Clos Ste-Hune" Riesling Alsace (95RP, 94JG, 92ST, 92WS). Wine Advocate: "The 1998 Riesling Clos St. Hune is a spectacular wine. It displays a magnificent aromatic purity, with complex herbal, mineral, and crisp pear scents. Medium to full-bodied, and awesomely broad, powerful, and harmonious, this tightly-wound, slate, chalk, lemon-lime, quartz, and cocoa powder-flavored wine is silky-textured and breathtakingly intense. (RP)" (06/2000)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Elio Altare "Brunate" Barolo (94VN, 93ST, 93WS). Vinous: "Elio Altare's 1998 Barolo Brunate is one of the highlights of the vintage. A wine of rare pedigree, this soft-textured Barolo caresses the palate with plenty of ripe red fruit, sweet spices and mint. Today the wine comes across as especially youthful, and with the context of the vintage it is one of the most vibrant wines I tasted. I am always amazed at the quality Altare achieves with what are essentially second-choice grapes from Marco Marengo's vines in the prestigious Brunate vineyard. (AG)" (02/2009)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Chris Ringland Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia (OWC - 100RP, 96ST) in original wood. Wine Advocate: "The Chris Ringland (formerly known as Three Rivers Shiraz), which is aged 42 months in 100% new French oak, and is rarely racked until bottling, represents an extraordinary expression of Barossa Shiraz. The perfect 1998, made from a single, 88-year-old vineyard cropped at one ton of fruit per acre, soaked up its wood component as if it is not even present. It boasts a sumptuous texture, great delineation, and a huge fragrance of bacon fat, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, toast, espresso roast, and hints of chocolate as well as pepper. Full-bodied yet remarkably well-delineated and fresh, this stunning wine is still a baby, but it promises to evolve for two decades or more. (RP)" (10/2004)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Paolo Scavino "Rocche dell'Annunziata" Barolo Riserva ((94-97ST), 92WS). 94-97 points Stephen Tanzer: "Full, deep red. A sappy, liqueur-like essence of fruit on the nose; hints at surmaturite Thick, silky and compellingly rich; an utterly seamless, lush wine that coats the entire palate yet somehow avoids heaviness. A dramatic Barolo that finishes with huge, sweet tannins and powerful, vibrant flavors of crystallized red fruits, flowers and camphor. This was the wine of the day at the marathon tasting I did of Barolo estates represented by superbroker Marc de Grazia, though it should be emphasized that it will not be bottled until late 2003." (Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dec '02)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 1998 Cims de Porrera "Classic" Priorat (91W&S, 90ST). Wine & Spirits: "(no note given)" (10/2002)

Bid on this 4-bottle lot of 1998 Cape d'Estaing Shiraz Kangaroo Island South Australia (94RP). Wine Advocate: "This is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from the tiny island off the coast of Adelaide. Yields for this effort were a lowly one ton of fruit per acre. The vineyards are young (5 years), but the spectacular quality of this first release is sure to make consumers take notice of this island operation. Fortunately, there are 1500 cases of this wine. The flashy 1998 Shiraz (aged in American oak) exhibits terrific blackberry jam-like aromas intermixed with sweet pepper, espresso, and vanilla scents. Super-concentrated, loaded with ripe fruit, and impressively pure and layered, this is a dazzling Shiraz from an island down under. Despite the fact that it tasted powerful, the alcohol is only 14.1%. (RP)" (02/2000)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Bryant Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (93RP, 91VN). Wine Advocate: "The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is a fine wine. While it does not reveal much weight, it is a dense plum/purple-colored, big, thick, concentrated effort. Evolved aromas of smoke, cedar, tapenade, blackberries, creme de cassis, and creosote are followed by a lush, full-bodied, voluptuously-textured 1998 exhibiting superb intensity as well as low acid, sweet, pure flavors. This is a dazzling example of extremely ripe Cabernet Sauvignon made under less than ideal conditions" (12/2000)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 1998 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe "La Crau" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (97JS, 95JD, 95RP, 94DC, 94WE, 94WS). James Suckling: " This amazing Chateauneuf-du-Pape squares the circle of southern richness and spring-like freshness in spite of coming from a very warm and dry vintage. The stony minerality, saltiness and dried flower character wind together to form a dynamic whole, driving this gracefully across the palate. But I must also mention the savory and licorice richness that is so deftly wrapped around them. Very long, salty and velvety finish. Drink or hold." (04/2023)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Brunate "Le Coste" (92JS, 92VN). Vinous: "The 1998 Barolo Brunate is wonderfully open-knit and seductive. It doesn’t have the overt richness of truly warm years like 2007 or 1997, but it is much more approachable than the 1996. Those qualities have made the 1998s quite appealing since they were first released. Rinaldi’s 1998 is a gorgeous example of the vintage at its best. (AG)" (05/2017)

Bid on this 5-bottle lot of 1998 Domaine du Caillou "Réserve Cuvée Unique" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (90RP, 90ST). Wine Advocate: "North Berkeley's 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Unique possesses great color saturation as well as a deep, rich mid-palate. (RP)" (10/2000)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Caroni 21 Year Old "Corman Collins - Auld Alliance 10th Anniversary" Single Cask #2162 Trinidad Rum.

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Elio Altare "Arborina" Barolo (95VN, (91-93RP), 93WS, 92ST). Vinous: "The 1998 Barolo Vigneto Arborina is a great example of the year. Soft, open-knit and beautifully textured in the glass, the 1998 is a wine that stands out for its sense of proportion and overall harmony. Everything is in the right place. The sweet, perfumed finish only adds to the wine's considerable appeal. I was not a huge fan of the 1998 when it was first released, but over the last few years it has really grown on me. This is pure finesse. (AG)" (06/2015)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Lail Vineyards "J. Daniel Cuvee" Napa Valley Red Blend (93WE, 90WS). Wine Enthusiast: "Among the better '98s, this wine's vineyard pedigree shows in the polished fruit and supple tannins, the result of great terroir. The aromas suggest black cherries and blackberries with intense oaky, smoky tones. Particularly notable for the soft, lush mouthfeel, like sipping pure velvet." (06/2002)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Vaghi Vintage Bas Armagnac in original wood. Vaghi Armagnac is an independent bottler dedicated to preserving the individuality and quiet grandeur of Armagnac. Rather than distilling itself, Vaghi curates exceptional casks from traditional, often family-run producers, releasing them with minimal intervention to preserve their natural character. The focus is on single-cask, vintage-dated Armagnacs, frequently bottled at natural strength and presented with clear, transparent labeling. Shaped by traditional distillation and long maturation in oak, these spirits evolve from vibrant eaux-de-vie into layered, harmonious expressions marked by fruit, spice, and depth rather than weight. Spanning nearly a century of distillation, this library offers a rare perspective on Armagnac through individual vintages—each bottle a singular, unrepeatable record of time, place, and tradition.

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Vaghi Vintage Bas Armagnac in original wood. Vaghi Armagnac is an independent bottler dedicated to preserving the individuality and quiet grandeur of Armagnac. Rather than distilling itself, Vaghi curates exceptional casks from traditional, often family-run producers, releasing them with minimal intervention to preserve their natural character. The focus is on single-cask, vintage-dated Armagnacs, frequently bottled at natural strength and presented with clear, transparent labeling. Shaped by traditional distillation and long maturation in oak, these spirits evolve from vibrant eaux-de-vie into layered, harmonious expressions marked by fruit, spice, and depth rather than weight. Spanning nearly a century of distillation, this library offers a rare perspective on Armagnac through individual vintages—each bottle a singular, unrepeatable record of time, place, and tradition.

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Caroni 20 Year Old "SMWS R13.1 - Deep, Dark, and Brooding" Single Cask Trinidad Rum.

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Appleton Estate 25 Year Old "Hearts Collection" Jamaican Rum.

Bid on this 1-700 ml bottle lot of 1998 Foursquare 22 Year Old Colours Of Rum Edition No. 3 Single Barrel Ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Barbados Rum (700ml).

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Inchgower 22 Year Old "Sovereign" K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A Diageo blending workhorse, Inchgower is a principal component (along with Blair Athol) of the Bell’s blend, which we sadly don’t see here in the United States. Due to a cloudy wort and a slightly unusual middle cut that runs from 70% all the way down to 55% in the spirits run, Inchgower tends towards the fuller spicier side of things and away from the high-toned fruits found early in the spirits run. Couple that with 22 years in a refill sherry butt and we’ve got a decadent spicy whisky on our hands with the mellowness of long aging. A wonderful combination and a screaming deal at just over a hundred bucks.

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto (97JS, 95RP, 95ST, 93WS). James Suckling: "This is drinking so beautifully now with so much plum, licorice, and berry character. It's full body and very soft with polished tannins and a super long finish. The round texture and decadent fruit is wonderful." (02/2014)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1998 Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello "Monprivato" Barolo (92VN, (89-91RP)). Vinous: "The 1998 Monprivato from Giuseppe Mascarello perfectly embodies the quality of the vintage. This is a relatively slender, accessible Monprivato, yet all of the elements are perfectly in balance. The sweet aromatics meld seamlessly into a soft palate of fruit framed by ripe, silky tannins. The 1998 is a great introduction to Monprivato, and is one of the more beautiful, harmonious and accessible wines of the vintage. Today, the 1998 does not appear to be built for the long haul, but I wouldn't be entirely surprised if I am underestimating the wine's potential longevity given how gracefully wines of lesser vintages have aged. (AG)" (02/2009)

Bid on this bottle of 1998 Gaja "Sperss" Nebbiolo Langhe (95RP, 95ST, 93WS). Wine Advocate: "One of the things I have learned over the years is that you can count on Angelo Gaja to make a strong showing in just about any tasting. Yes, I know, Sperss is not Barolo (a small percentage of Barbera is added), but at its core the wine captures the essence of Serralunga and is as representative of these hillside vineyards as any Barolo. Dark tar, smoke, leather, spices, menthol and black cherries all make an appearance in this muscular, full-throttle wine. While the vast majority of 1998 Barolos can be enjoyed today, the 1998 Sperss could use another few years in the cellar. It isn't a crime to open a bottle today, but this is one of the few 1998s that still has upside potential. Simply put, the 1998 Sperss is a jewel. (AG)" (02/2009)