A more restrained if similar nose speaks of plum, anise, floral and earth aromas that are trimmed in somewhat more subtle wood influence. There is excellent size, weight and concentration to the big-bodied and powerful flavors that possess better depth and persistence on the ever-so-slightly warm finish that is notably firmer. At least moderate patience will be required.

There is enough wood character to notice but not so much as to suppress the elegant and airy aromas of essence of red currant, plum, violet and sauvage nuances. The palate impression displays plenty of minerality on the muscular, detailed and energetic middle weight plus flavors that culminate in a saline, balanced and lingering finish where a touch of mocha surfaces. This moderately robust effort isn't especially complex at present but the underlying material is sufficiently impressive that my score offers the benefit of the doubt that more will develop with 12 to 15 years of cellaring.

This is brooding to the point of being almost inexpressive and only aggressive swirling coaxes smoky aromas of intensely earthy black currant, spice and game, all of which is trimmed in relatively generous wood. There is excellent volume and intensity to the tautly muscular flavors that brim with palate coating dry extract that also does a fine job of buffering the very firm core of ripe tannins on the impressively long finish. This is definitely a wine that is going to need bottle age to soften the structure.