Full ruby-red. Pungent aromas of blackberry, cocoa powder and raw oak, with a suggestion of dill pickle. Has good intensity and density but comes across as rather ungiving in the middle palate, with the oak dominating. Finishes with firm, dusty tannins and a hint of herbacity. Seems clearly less generous and ripe than the superb '98 version.

Community Tasting Notes (average 90.7 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 24 notes)