Below is the scribble I typed to myself from back in June 2002 when I had this first....
52% merlot 34% cab fr 8% cab 6% petit verdot
Smooth tannins Nose that drops back to your throat and tongue. Violets? Nice legs Medium to full body color Smooth velvety silky Some meatiness Vanilla/oak later (30 min) Nice finish Polished and drinkable $40 in restaurant
I had this in June last. I ran across the TN in my email so I figured I would post it here.
I liked it pretty much, as I went out and bout 3 more bottles at $20 each.
I had this again tonight. This time with pan roasted chicken served with mashed potatoes and a shallots, cognac, wine and mustard sauce. Delicios.
The bottle has been open now for about 4 hours or so. This does not have the immense nose that I remembered it having, EXCEPT when it's first opened and say for 15-20 minutes after that. Since I splash decanted this after popping the cork maybe 30 minutes prior, I stuck my head into the pitcher I used to decant it (no need for the fancy decanters with just Mrs. TJ and I). Man, it is one powerful nose that filters its way all the way down into your lungs. Quite impressive.
The wine is a bit darker than I remember it now, too. Rich and somewhat decadent. Hints of syrupiness (just hints) if you drink it on its own (as I am doing now) but delicious tastes of fresh currants and blackberries along with more floral traces that seem to keep it lighter, overall. The tannins are smooth and hold it all together quite well. The finish is quite long and nice.
I stick by my 89 from when I first had this last June.
