| Score: |
99 WA.
"One of the extraordinary benefits of my job is that generous wine lovers open stunning wines for me just to see if I still like them as much as I originally did. I've tasted this wine on five (!) separate occasions since my original review was published (it was rated 96-99+ from a barrel sample in Issue #111). This is a mesmerizing wine. It is dark ruby colored, almost inky black, with bright streaks of purple on the edges. Aromatically it reveals an unreal depth of intense black fruits that give way to an explosion of black cherries, plums, blackberries, blueberries, violets, mocha, cafe au lait, sweet oak, and Asian spices. Wave upon wave of luscious fruit unfold on the palate in this opulent and hedonistic offering's velvety-textured core. Perfectly balanced and harmonious, intense yet soft, structured yet supple, it is a tour de force. Wow!" Wine Advocate #118, Aug 1998 |