I have been lucky enough to have this on a few occasions. Never has it been open or showing anything like it's lofty status with the critics would indicate so I approached with trepidation. No need. This bottle was amazing. Everything it was supposed to be including still a bit on the young side. It is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Inky purple in color, ruby at the rim. Bright but mostly opaque. On the nose, lovely cassis, cigar box, ash and slight pencil lead. The lead becomes more pronounced with air and there is some chocolate and spice. On the palate, this is full bodied with a seamless texture. Juicy. Still firm tannins. Lots of cassis and black cherry fruit with underlying smoke. Lively acidity with great energy. Long finish. Blind, I might have guessed 2000 or 2005. And, delicious. This still has five to ten more years until maturity and will likely be drinking well in 2050. It needs a steak or roast right now, but should continue to mellow and expand what works best. This bottle was brought by someone who bought it on release and cellared it well. It's nice to have friends. Even thought it might improve, how can it not get a 100 score? The label is by Bernard Séjourné and features a trio of masks rising.
