A deeper, more introspective aromatic range compared to La Mouline and La Turque 2001 on opening, more deeply herbal, with bay leaf and coal dust. It smells dark and faintly balsamic. It’s not fuller than La Turque, but certainly more structured, with bigger tannins and more piercing acidity. This is a great distant thunderclap of a wine, with rolling tannins. There's a more noticeable grain to the tannin, like licking a Cohiba cigar. Long, deep, and arguably not ready yet - this will unfurl even more with time. There are some deep-set leathery notes, and it's much more textural than La Mouline or La Turque. Saltier too. Like an old Rolls Royce, this has great charm and unmistakable luxury. Clearly a Brune side Côte-Rôtie, and a serious one. (MW)