Opened, not decanted, for about 30 mins. prior to tasting.
Dark purple to ruby colored wine, very dark legs. Nose of cedar and tightly-knit red fruit. Minerals, red seeded fruit, and earth on the palate - not nearly as complex as the '96 or '97 IMHO. Opened considerably after another hour, but alas the bottle was empty w/3 of us tasting.
Shows signs of a long, austere life ahead. I'd give this another 2-3 yrs. before trying again, and 88 pts. right now. Well priced @ $45/bottle, considering the going rate for current vintages.
"Actually, it only takes one drink to get me loaded. Trouble is, I can't remember if it's the thirteenth or fourteenth." -- George Burns
Posts: 3619 | Location: Alpharetta, GA | Registered: Nov 17, 2001
Had this last night during the final four. Very similar impressions. Agreed that this is really a shadow of the 96. Light in body and a little tart. I'm not convinced additional age will improve ths much. Drink now till 2008. 88 points.
-------------------- "One may dislike carrots, spinach, beetroot, or the skin on hot milk. But not wine. It is like hating the air that one breathes, since each is equally indispensable."
Marcel Ayme`
Posts: 6907 | Location: The Left Coast | Registered: Dec 01, 2001
