Back in 2003 I bought 3 cases of this wine and have steadily been drinking it on occasions like birthdays and Christmas.  This week I will be opening two bottles, this one and then another with my wine class in celebration of another year on earth.

I’m shocked at the color of this 21 year old- medium ruby, with a touch of bricking.  I could call it garnet but it still shows youth in the glass.  The nose is stunningly mature yet still gives off aromas of some primary fruit.  Blackberry, cassis, leather, tobacco, mint, rose water, black plum, vanilla- the list could go on.  It is so complex and earthy.  The palate is dry with quite a tannic grip on the forefront.  Medium (+) acidity makes for a sour note on the initial attack.  As the wine warms on the tongue I get all the primary, secondary and tertiary flavors I picked out on the nose with a helping of sour cherry to keep it sharp.  The wine is medium (+) bodied and is a comfortable 13% ABV.  The finish is medium (+) in length and tapers to mainly tertiary flavors, the fruit running out of steam early.  The sourness and acidity make it a mouthwatering wine that begs to be drunk.  This is by far my favorite label.  I paid $60 back in the day for one bottle that now runs $200.  I would says it is at peak and has another 3-5 years left.  It deserves more than the 90 points it got originally.  I would say it is a 92 pointer and I have to go with 5 stars.  Pairings would include any manner of meat, cooked in pretty much any style.  Love this stuff.  Salut….