Bright medium ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry, cherry liqueur, licorice, violet, herbs and graphite minerality, given added sex appeal by notes of pipe tobacco and rich, peaty soil; a splendid manifestation of Rutherford terroir. Very plush and fine-grained, but with enough ripe acidity to give shape and energy to its flavors of red and darker berries, spices and licorice. Suggestions of cured tobacco and dark topsoil add interest. An excellent showing, as the wine's tannins have mellowed nicely since I originally tasted this wine. Delicious now, but this should last well owing to its firmness and elegance. (14.9% alcohol) -- Stephen Tanzer