Totally shut down and enclosed, with an impressively saturated purple/black color and a promising but tightly strung nose of mineral, vanilla, espresso, black cherry and currant, this wine has beautiful purity, medium to full body, relatively high but sweet tannin, and a long 30-35 second finish. The wine is very firm but impressive as well as promising. Patience please! Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Last tasted, 11/02.

Aromas of violet, berries and cedar follow through to a full-bodied palate, with firm tannins and a medium finish. The fruit is still tied up in knots. Give it time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. -JS