This massively mentholated wine is black at the core yet yields a rusty crimson color at the rim. Black-currant leaf, blackberry, fresh thyme and creosote create a complex bouquet. Whereas the nose still holds out some freshness, the palate is almost entirely tertiary, save some still-evident savory, oak spice notes. Its solid concentration suggests this is a wine built to last, yet this wine is nonetheless on its last days. Drink up as its days are fading and look into younger vintages of the same wine.

— Published (6/16/2014)