Excellent red-ruby color. Floral aromas of redcurrant and cedary, smoky oak. Pretty, fruity and harmonious, with moderate depth and fleshiness. Not especially sweet. A second sample from a less-charred barrel nevertheless showed a strong oak component and clean, black cherry-dominated flavors. This vintage should develop fairly quickly.
Vinous - Score: 87-89 (1998 May)
Excellent red-ruby color. Floral aromas of redcurrant and cedary, smoky oak. Pretty, fruity and harmonious, with moderate depth and fleshiness. Not especially sweet. A second sample from a less-charred barrel nevertheless showed a strong oak component and clean, black cherry-dominated flavors. This vintage should develop fairly quickly.