Somewhat subdued and reserved on the nose with the classic nose of Asian spices, hoisin, soy and a trace of oak followed by sweet, long, structured and beautifully complex flavors. There is fine length here and the power is impressive. This is still a bit tight but this is finally beginning to unwind. I would give this another 5 to 7 years in the cellar and drink over the next 10 to 15 years. Consistent notes as I have tasted this many times.

PRODUCTION: 1,678 cases. This wine was spectacular from cask, but tasting it three times from bottle has been a bewildering experience. The color is a disturbingly light to medium ruby. The wine's aromatics exhibit oak, smoke, and vanilla, but little fruit. No amount of coaxing or breathing enhances the wine's bouquet, which appears to crack up with exposure to air. There is moderately high tannin and good concentration, as well as a nasty toughness, suggesting a deficiency in flesh, weight, and extraction. Although it was impressive young, it now appears to be a lightweight La Tache. Will it turn around?