The last several bottles have had a more rustic character than I had thought earlier. Some tannins and acidity have poked through what is otherwise a relatively deep, concentrated, very aromatic style of La Mission-Haut Brion. Elegant, with gorgeous notes of sweet earth intermixed with creosote, mineral, black currant, and cherry, the wine is smoky, rich, but a bit rough and astringent in the finish. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 9/02.