A sexy, lush effort, this deep ruby-colored, medium-bodied 2000 exhibits plenty of grapy, black currant fruit, smoke, tobacco, and spice box aromas. Elegant, with excellent purity as well as low acidity and ripe tannin in the finish, it will drink well upon release and over the following decade. Along with the 1998, it is the finest Olivier in more than 25 years (hardly high praise).

Intense aromas of currants and minerals as the nose of this wine opens. Full-bodied and very chewy, with lots of fine tannins and a long mouth-puckering finish. Slightly hard, but shows potential. Better than previously reviewed. Best after 2007. -JS