Dark plum/garnet with some lightening at the edge, this wine has that tell-tale characteristic of the vintage – licorice, underbrush, and compost intermixed with plum, blackberry, and currant fruit. The wine shows sweetness on the attack but then becomes a bit desiccated and medium-bodied, with some dry, hard tannins in the finish. It is fully mature, but not likely to become any more graceful. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 3/01.