RP just upgraded this to 95pts which peaked my interest in opening one this soon…
Deep purple with notes of dark plums, sweet tobacco, grilled herbs, and a touch of mocha. Dominating tannins with great savory fruit that satisfies from the attach all the way to the long finish. I’m rating this 92 points right now as I don’t have the experience to really tell how it’s going to age but with my limited knowledge, I’d say its got serious stuffing for the $$.
I’m confused now. I thought he rated it a 95 back in 2008.
I bought two cases of this wine (one well before the ratings) and think it is fantastic and one heck of a QPR. I think my average price was about $35. They are all tucked away. They were a touch approachable on release but the window was short. Closed down hard. I will still wait a few years before checking back in, as you note, the tannins are huge but the wine was stuffing.