Community Tasting Note
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nba1017 Likes this wine: 98 points
December 26, 2014 - I'm not sure where to begin.
First off, purchased at a damn steal of $450. About 4cm reduced. Cork was incredibly clean, totally saturated and reduced. Stored and turned beautifully. Surprisingly little sediment.
Initial aromas of concentrated black and deep red fruit, almost plummy with baked blackberries. Definite heat but a freshness and purity keeping the whole thing tied together. The mouthfeel was a cross between old port, lacquer, and a very thick jam. Totally coating, unlike anything I've ever had. 55 years old and completely unrelated yet constantly evolving, even in mouth.
Over two hours the wine definitely mellowed, revealing south asian spice notes, charred root vegetables, cigar smoke, and, of all things, seaweed and hoisin sauce. We opened this at a Christmas buffet and were able to pair it with a wide range of foods. Amazingly, by far the best was grilled freshwater eel sushi. However, it also sung along with deep dark chocolate and was a better complement for roast turkey than any cranberry sauce I've ever had.
Overall, one of the most muscular, precise, svelte, and complex wines I"ve ever had the pleasure to try. As unrelenting as the melange of flavors were, it is an undeniably delicate wine too.
Truly a joy.1 person found this helpful 3,358 views