Deep ruby-red color. Perfumed, vibrant aromas of black cherry, cassis, leather and oak spice. Big, sweet and rich, with lush black cherry and black raspberry fruit already offering enticing inner-mouth flavor. Less oaky on the palate than on the nose. Just a hint of herbaceousness. Finishes subtle and quite long, with impressively even, ripe tannins but not quite the snap of the `96. A terrific effort for the vintage. 89-92 point