Good deep red. Aromas of black raspberry, graphite, chocolate, cocoa powder and herbs, plus an earthy tobacco hint of Montecristo No. 2. A wine of great power and energy, just beginning to round into its adult form. Wonderfully savory flavors of dark raspberry and Cuban cigar tobacco, plus a suggestion of honey. Really glistens on the palate, showing an uncommonly suave texture and strong minerality. This wine is at the beginning of a long peak-drinking window; in fact, my sample seemed still to want to tighten up in the bottle. This stillyouthful wine finishes with terrific savory grip. I should note that Roumier actually prefers his 1999 Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses to this wine!

Stephen Tanzer - Vinous Media (97)