Issue: 48
Tasting note: There is a touch of wood still in evidence on the notably ripe and strikingly spicy nose that is beautifully fresh even though there are the first hints of secondary fruit development in evidence. There is excellent volume and seductive richness to the opulent and utterly delicious flavors that possess good vibrancy before terminating in a long, mouth coating and impeccably well-balanced finish. In the same vein as the 2001 version this could certainly be drunk now with pleasure or held for another few years first. I've had this several times with consistent notes.