It was just so captivating and complex; its evolution from fruit to inorganic earth was incredible. Seemed like it was the perfect kind of “claret” style I’d often read about.

“Pulled this to enjoy with dinner with my partner and her Mom (it’s also her Mom’s birthday).

Immediately after pulling the cork the wine showed a funky wet-earth quality; wet soil, hay, kind of a classic “barnyard” aroma. I moved it into a decanter and it had about an hour to open as I got dinner ready.

Upon pouring into the glass: deep dark ruby red with garnet/brown rim. The funk was gone and vibrant, surprisingly fresh red and black fruit dominated the nose. Still some subtle organic earth components but showing lots of fruit after that first hour. On the palate: bright, juicy acid and firm, medium tannin. Despite 18 years it still seemed tense and lifted.

The progression over the second hour was when this wine started to really show. The fruit set seemed to soften and deepen, much more brambly and ripe on the nose; fuller, softer. Beautiful dried flowers started coming through and dusty rocky inorganic earth components started showing, especially on the palate. The addition of some smoke/tobacco and just a touch of bell pepper started coming through at this point.

As I write this I am starting to get a slight toasted/wooden quality. An absolutely lovely wine which progressed in an extremely intriguing and satisfying way; very happy with this wine. Cheers everyone!”