The 1998 Beau-Séjour Bécot was picked between 29 September and 5 October. The colour is more youthful than either the 1995 or 1996 and the nose certainly more vibrant: cranberry and strawberry fruit, fine purity and well integrated oak. There is a sense of purpose about these aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, fine cohesion and plenty of melted red berry fruit laced with tobacco, allspice and white pepper. In the context of this vertical, I see this 1998 as a benchmark - not the greatest ever, but a sign of things to come. Tasted at the château.