Vinous Comment - Score: 95-96 (2003 January)

Pale gold. Superripe, slightly resiny aromas of apricot confiture, toffee, maple syrup and mocha. Then shockingly lively in the mouth; like a gamey essence of fresh fruit. Sharply focused and not especially glyceral. Lower-toned and less volatile than the extraordinary '96, which I rated 97 points next to this wine - but then the '97 is still fermenting! Amazingly light on its feet.