Stored in a climate-controlled cellar since purchase upon release. This was an interesting experience. The nose initially leaped from the glass to exhibit earthy notes of licorice, soy, graphite, and hints of violets, raspberry, and road tar. With time, anise, spice, and a curious fudge note came to the fore as well. In the mouth, however, well... at first it was notably light and almost diluted, though was quite expressive and long on the finish throughout the evening. Based on our experience with '01 Dominus a few months ago, we decanted and waited 2-3 hours before pouring our second glass. It did eventually gain weight and depth in the mouth, but this never become a rich, full-bodied wine. Great nose, but generally underwhelming on the palate (despite being expressive). We initially thought that we may have caught this bottle a little past peak, but on day 2, it was better - a bigger, fuller wine with additional concentration, though with less of a nose and less complexity. The score accounts for the high points for each aspect of the wine (though they never graced the wine at the same moment). Not sure what I would do if I had more bottles.

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