Saturated red-ruby color. Brooding aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, gunflint and spices. Thick, dense and brooding, with sweet cassis, pepper and tobacco flavors framed and carried by firm acidity. Comes across as very ripe and broad, but this bottle at least does not show the porty character that some past vintages have displayed at the same stage. Finishes with firm tannins, hints of licorice and dark chocolate, and serious spine.

Community Tasting Notes (average 91.8 pts. and median of 93 pts. in 29 notes)