Estimate
The nose is well co-ordinated, ranging from blueberry fruit aromas to hints of pepper & rose petals, layered over mature hints of pencil lead, cocoa powder & dark tobacco. The dense palate has impressive thrust & a long, lingering finish.
Wow. This is really an explosion of fruit on the nose, with masses of crushed strawberries, toasted oak and cedar on the nose and palate, and a hint of fresh herbs. Full-bodied and very chewy, with lots of ripe tannins and a ripe fruit finish. Exciting...
...very fresh and vigorous for a wine from this hot vintage, spicy and balsamic in aroma with much tar and chocolate as well, dense flavors, much length and intensity, and a sizeable but supple close.