Vinous Comment - Score: 92+ (2003 January)

Full deep ruby. Strongly oaky aromas of cassis, blackberry, violet, bitter chocolate and leather. Impressively deep and stuffed with fruit; but the inky, chocolatey, licorice-tinged flavors and powerful oakiness suggest that this wine will need a good decade to harmonize. Finishes with major oak tannins and outstanding persistence. This may already be shutting down.