Very good saturated ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, chocolate and licorice; more crystallized than cooked fruit-as the heat in '95 was not quite like that of 1990, according to Valette. Velvety and chocolatey in the mouth, with very sweet, port-like flavors verging on raisiny. Has the chewy extract to buffer its 13.9% alcohol. Quite perfumed in the mouth, though still a bit tired by the bottling. A huge wine that finishes with substantial but harmonious tannins.

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Closed but immensely promising, this dark purple-colored wine exhibits a reticent but intriguing nose of underbrush, jammy black fruits, minerals, and vanillin. Deep, rich, and medium to full-bodied, with outstanding extract and purity, the wine possesses a seamless personality with sweeter, more integrated tannin than in the 1996. This is a vin de garde to cellar for another 7-8 years. It is not far off the splendid level of quality achieved in both 1989 and 1990.

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Clever winemaking. Modern and international in style. Not quite as exciting as I remember, but still outstanding. Inky-colored, with loads of vanilla, spice and meatlike aromas. Full-bodied and concentrated, with masses of berry, dark chocolate and vanilla flavors. Slightly astringent on the finish.

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