Robert Parker (Jan 03)
Still a dark garnet/purple color that shows some lightening at the edge, this wine appears to be approaching a post-adolescent stage. A nose of earth, licorice, underbrush, and black fruits is followed by a medium-bodied wine with a lot of structure, muscle, tannin, and depth. Tannin is still present, but the wine is showing very complex aromatics and good sweetness on the attack. Very drinkable, yet capable of holding for at least another decade. Anticipated maturity: Now -2012. Last tasted, 4/02.