Fairly fragrant with rose petals and tar to the fore supported by accent notes of green pepper, cardamom, moist tobacco, and a touch of mint. Medium full in the mouth and ruggedly structured. There's a lot of acid here and still tons of tannin, with a hint of wood tannin and some wood spice on the palate. Still the wine shows an innate if unrealized elegance with plummy dark fruit streaks through the midpalate and some wild cherry nuances that lead to a taut, very long, lightly mineral, tarry and tense finish. With air the nose adds a subtle layer of black currant jamminess. Slightly nebulous in the mouth and wanting some definition though thoroughly satisfying, youthful and classic but still lacking the excitement, the visceral grab and finesse of the more recent wines. Worth buying at the right price. Should enjoy another 15 years of life. 91pts
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