Cork:
Cork came out clean but seemed a bit dry, with dark purple saturation on the tip. Some sediment had formed in the neck.

Color:
In the glass was garnet in color with pomegranate around the rim.

Nose:
The wine had the nose of fresh soil, in the bottle. Poured some in the glass and the rest in the decanter. In the glass had sharp scent of alcohol, which opened with time into cherry and prune with hints of spice.

Taste:
In the mouth was silky and coating. Still holding on to some sharp tannins and could benefit from more time in the bottle. Score: Could warrent a 94 or more with time. My score: 91

Had this about a month ago with a couple of the Toronto cru. We all really liked it to. I would score it a little higher than 91.

I've got a couple of these in the cellar that I was intending to keep aging for another couple of years. Judging by your comments, it may benefit by extending the time frame a little more before I open any.

steve,

Thanks for bringing that to the offline when you were in town last. It was quite tasty. I'm a little behind on posting notes, but I'll try to get them up tonight.

otw,

I would hold off a couple more years at least on this wine.

futronic:


Look forward to reading your tasting notes to see how off the mark i am.

Give yourself a little more credit, man!

AH haaaa......the ever lovely 96 Bussia, getting more beautiful with each passing year. I have per chance tried a couple bottles of this in the past, and have been rather pleased, although each time decanted for 6+ hours, enough time for a youngster of this stature to open up a bit a show some secrets. The surprise was how supple and beautiful this wine showed, despite the considered wisdom that 96's MUST NOT BE TOUCHED for many years to come. Fooey. Don't get wrong, like the esteemed Fut-man I prefer Barolo at 10 years and beyond, but at this stage the 96 Bussia really does have much to show and is surprisingly approachable. Now just think how fine it will be in another 5.

BTW, Garagiste had a kick-ass offering about a month ago - mags of this for $99. Not sure of they sold out, but get in touch with them if you're interested. If you're a Barolo head this is a no-brainer.

ciao, rico

Steve8 brought this to our offline in July.

Dark garnet/ruby colour to dusty rim. Fat, slow legs. Aromas of tar, violets, dried roses, cherries, earth, leather, finocchio, and plums. Medium-full bodied with cherries, dried flowers, and still present tannins. Raspberries show on the long finish, ~40-45s. Give this more time in the cellar. 92 points (07/08/2004).

futronic,

Im curious as to how long, if at all, the wine was decanted.

If I recall, it was decanted for about an hour/hour and a half, then consumed over the next two.

From magnum. Not decanted. Dark ruby colour. Aromas of violets, tar, earth, blackberry, spice. Medium-full bodied, very tight, showing very little fruit. Needs 5-8 years in magnum format; will improve substantially. 89 points (08/26/2005).

Rose petel and cherry with some elegant floral character on the nose. Quite austere with a hard tannic finish that begs time. ***

futronic,

Great to see your tasting notes almost one year later, your post really tempted me into opening one of my last two bottles...will be fun to see what we have to say in hmmmmm September 2009?

I don't actually own any bottles of this wine - I just drink other people's! I would hold off a little longer on this.