Certainly more aromatic than the regular bottling, with black-currant notes, anise and fairly strong charred oak. Dry, with softly complex tannins and some berry fruit, but again, it seems a little light and thin.——S.H.(12/15/2000)—— 84

There are some lovely cherry and Asian spice notes on the nose, then heavy toast and earth elements take over. A lean mouthfeel and coffee finish with slightly astringent tannins leave a slightly awkward impression. Give it two to four years and it might just even out; will last til 2006.——W.E.(11/1/2000)—— 87