This wine is superb. With its power and structure it will age over 20 years or more. Backed by blackcurrant and jelly flavors, it shows great fruity attractiveness even at this early stage in its development. It will develop slowly and evenly to become a reference point for the vintage.
— R.V.
(6/1/2003)
Hugely dense, foursquare wine with great fruit and the purest tannins. Chocolate and coffee predominate at the same time as sweet tannins and acidity. A wine that combines charm with great power.
— R.V.
(2/1/2012)
Powerful, complex and ripe, this is a magnificent and concentrated wine. Juicy blackberry fruits, tight acidity and finely integrated tannins give a smooth, rich texture. This beautiful wine has long-term aging potential.
— R.V.
(5/1/2013)
93-95 Barrel Sample A hugely rich wine, full of sweet chocolate and immensely ripe blackberry flavors. Sweet fruits, balanced by sweet and sour acidity.
— R.V.
(6/1/2007)
93-95 A firm, but richly juicy wine, laced with polished new wood flavors to go with the ripe black currant fruits. There is a smoky, meaty character as well, with the final reminder of delicious acidity.
— R.V.
(6/25/2011)
93-95. Barrel sample. A firm and tannic wine, it has the weight to support its tannins. It’s balanced, solid and dense, with a powerful shot of black fruits.
— R.V.
(5/11/2012)
92-94 Barrel sample. An impressively minty wine, with eucalyptus showing through. But fruit is the thing here, a storm of flavors pierced through with high perfumes and powered by some fine, dense tannins.
— R.V.
(6/20/2006)
Freshness and richness combine in this wine. There’s a eucalyptus freshness that goes with the intense acidity. But alongside this is the dark, dense blackberry fruit that layers with the hints of wood. Keep this for six years before tasting, and then for many more.
— R.V.
(6/1/2008)