July 3, 2021 - Decanted for about 3 hours; initially tight and a bit bitter it is now showing nicely. Classic Bordeaux nose of ripe plums, dark cherries, slight forest floor, hint of mint. Palate is dry but dark fruited with cassis, more dark cherries, hint of gravel and mushroom but overall still very primary. I would guess it has plenty of life left but it’s great right now after a decent decant. Pretty dope with a wagyu strip steak, roasted potatoes and fire-roasted veggies.
September 21, 2020 - Surprising good condition on 20 09 2020 but the cork is very weak.
November 9, 2019 - Further to my Note of Sept 26 '18: Notes consistent with tasting last year. Add that fruit falls off after about 2 hours which seems the best drinking window for this for now.
June 12, 2019 - Plums, soil, wet earth, savoury aromas. Slight Brett. Tasted cassis, earth, soil, spices, with a eucalyptus and mint leaf finish. Needs decanting. Feel this is past it’s prime.
September 26, 2018 - Bought a 12b case from Morrell and Co NYC auction 14 years ago--190 + 17% buyer's premium + s/h so about 21/b all in. (The live auction values available in the late '90s and early '00s were remarkable by current standards.) Decanted with normal sediment for the style and age. Very good dark color with bit of amber edge; fully mature with old leather fragrance, mature fruit with old leather and hint of tobacco body, good finish. This reminds me why I prefer traditional aged, good quality Bdx to New World cabs and merlots (and some Bdx blends) of similar age (and, typically, much higher price): the blend is a key to graceful Bdx aging, cet. par. One must dig to find fruit, but this was delicious, esp. with a rare steak--glad I have a few more, though their time has come after 25 years. Stored horizontally in a cool, dark basement since purchase. My evaluation: I've stopped giving scores on a "100-point scale" as I've become less convinced that they can be meaningful to others. I use a 4-category scale (perhaps with +/-)--not including flawed--which runs outstanding/notable/drinkable/poor. I considered this notable+ when considering quality, age, and price.
October 12, 2015 - This was nothing special but good for a 1993. At the end of its lifespan.
Nice cassis, cherries and blackcurrant and spice aromas. Medium bodied lightly austere palate with decent weight and delineation. Ends shortish and freshly fruited but very drying.
November 20, 2014 - past it's prime
November 23, 2013 - Took a chance on this and was well rewarded. Medium to light garnet in the glass with an expected touch of brick at the rim. Earthy nose with blackberry, tea and some tobacco on the palate. A bit lighter bodied than I expected but still drinking well. Might not have been quite as rewarding if not in magnum.
May 31, 2013 - This is an incredibly enjoyable wine. There is some greenness, but red fruit, mineral, leather, and smoke dominate the nose. A touch of cedar adds complexity. Tannins are resolved. Good balance, just a touch of bitter oak that is nicely offset by the fruit’s sweetness. Good mid-palate and decent length. Great mid-life Bordeaux. Much better than expected. Still has years to go if you like it old.
December 28, 2009 - Over the hill