1997, 1996 and 1995 Bordeaux (May 1998)

Saturated ruby-red color. Lively aromas of black raspberry, black plum and smoky, spicy oak. Supple and very intensely flavored; not as fleshy or fat as the ’95 but seamless. Again, has plenty of firming acidity. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and persistent spicy flavor. From a just-racked barrel: More precise nose hints at violet. Lush and suave in the mouth; seems fatter but every bit as fresh.