For some reason, I always compare this to the 96. This doesn’t have the precision and focus of the 96 Salon at the same stage. My impression is that it is also not as concentrated as the 96. Perhaps it will gain weight in another couple of years but not sure. It is very pure and delicate, once again reminding me a young Chevalier. Fresh white fruits, mint, white flowers and wet stone. Quite delicate and pure, granny smith and lemon driven palate impression, good acidity and clean finish. This is really nice but a bit of disappointment considering the vintage and producer, and also the price.

Paul forewarned about the provenance. Pleasant surprise as the nose is expressive, displaying red fruit, raspberry and strawberry, rose, a hint of truffle, sous bois and light caramel, Chinese medicine and still a hint of stem. Medium concentration, delicate raspberry fruit driven palate impression, bright acidity, nicely integrated tannins and lovely long finish. The last bottle that I had was almost four years ago but the impression is quite similar. This is not as ripe as the 90 RSV and La Tache but equally enjoyable. The fruit expression is red where the RSV and La Tache are black. It seems further advance than the 90 RSV but it doesn’t take away the enjoyment in any way.

Very youthful nose displaying perfectly ripe crushed blackberries, exotic incense, a hint of stem, espresso and only a hint of sous bois. Excellent concentration, nicely layered fruits, ripe dark fruit driven palate impression, good acidity, nicely integrated tannins and lovely long finish. This is an extremely youthful example. Drinking beautifully in very youthful way.

The color looked clear and sound at home. A part of the cork fell in and it was decanted. The color is a bit murky. Very complex completely tertiary nose with noticeable VA that is not bothersome for me. The nose that you only get in really old wines, VA adding nice sweetness but absolutely not hint of oxidation, dry red fruit, strong note of cedar, leather, balsamico, eucalyptus and earth. Still showing very good concentration, VA and dry red fruit driven palate impression, strong presence of acidity, fully integrated tannins and incredible long finish that ends with sweet VA note. At this stage, it is quite unique and you really have to like the old wine with noticeable VA. For my palate, this was really singing. Also no great wines only great bottles.