This wine has notoriously been slow to come around. This is a very masculine but classic Bordeaux. This was decanted for sediment (not a lot) and then allowed to breathe for an hour or so, it opened nicely although the best days are still ahead for this wine. Purple in color. The nose has cassis, tobacco, some earthiness and a fair amount of oak coming thru as cedar and slight fresh cut timber. On the palate, this was tight initially. Eventually opening up to show a classic, if still on the young side of mature, Bordeaux. Cassis, black licorice, black cherries and slight earthiness. A bit of tobacco as well. Still has medium tannins. The fruit is plentiful enough to outlast the tannins. While it is fantastic now, it still needs five to ten more years to maturity. Great wine nevertheless.