Estimate
The typicity of La Mission is really here. Aromas of iodine, oyster shell, currants and orange peel are evident. Full-bodied, tight and tannic with a muscular and toned texture... waiting to release its joy and true nature. Fine-grained.
...exquisite bouquet with pure black fruit, cold stone, a touch of black olive & later a suggestion of boysenberry preserve... structured & considering that a majority is Merlot, quite masculine... lovely spiciness & impressive persistence.
...powerful & authoritative... A dark, beguiling wine, serious richness and concentration. Savory herbs, tobacco, menthol, licorice & a host of dark fruit infuse this deep, intense La Mission... exceptional balance... a very strong showing.
Fleshy and very compact, with layers of dark fig, black currant paste and blackberry reduction still sorting themselves out. Sports a serious spine of tar while a well-roasted apple wood element forms the backdrop on the dense finish. The range and density set this apart. Should be rather long-lived for the vintage.
Deep and really quite rich at first though then the acidity starts to come through on the end. This may be quite a severe La Mission. Dry finish and only medium bodied.