The vintage in Bordeaux may be noted for ripeness, extract and tannin, and this bottling most certainly addresses the latter. After a teasing touch of ripe fruit the nose and on entry, it dries and is summarily closed off by brutal astringency. It takes a long and forgiving look to see its fruity heart, and the ten to twenty years of aging it clearly requires is a gamble we would not be quick to take.

Medium ruby-red. Pure aromas of dark berries, graphite, licorice and spices. Spicy, very dark flavors of cassis, blackberry, minerals and spices, complicated by a musky espresso note and a whiff of smoked meat. Given lovely definition by a firm tannic spine that calls for patience.