Good medium ruby to the rim. Aromas of blueberry, blackberry, crème de cassis, espresso and licorice pastille convey an liqueur-like ripeness as well as an intriguing wildness. Thick, plush and sweet thanks to its chocolatey Merlot component but with a firm backbone to give shape to its black and blue fruit flavors. Plenty of dimension here! Finishes with substantial but perfectly integrated tannins and outstanding building flavors of black and blue fruits and licorice. This compellingly sweet, seamless yet firm wine boasts enough savory energy to maintain its balance, in spite of its 15.7% alcohol. And there's still plenty of baby fat 19 years later to buffer the wine's substantial fully ripe tannins. Manages the neat trick of thickness and generosity without heaviness or tiredness. No edges here! - VM
VM95
Graceful and harmonious, this rich, ripe, polished youngster pushes ripeness to the max, exhibiting layers of red currant, black cherry and spicy floral notes. It also shows some heat and finishes with firm, ripe tannins. WS
WA99