If this wine could be better, I can't see how. It's clear pale ruby shading toward garnet in color, with light clean aroma. It comes on slowly and lasts a long time. Just a touch of tannin in the mid palate reminds you that this is real wine. It's almost sweet at the start, and it insinuates itself like a cat, as it crosses your tongue.
With boneless country spareribs, hot potato salad and garden-fresh tomatoes. Yum!
I've been waiting impatiently for this -- my two bottles of the '98 were delicious with a smoky nuance about them. This bottle doesn't have the smoky stuff, and it's a little more mature than the '98 was at the end of 2004.
Another bottle in another year, I think. If I can wait.
Cost me $25 in July of 2001.