Like the '96 Beaux Monts (see herein) there is a hint of volatile acidity to the exuberantly spicy and earthy aromas of both red and dark fruit, sandalwood and Asian-style tea that have also turned slightly turned the secondary. There is excellent punch and muscle to the beautifully precise, even chiseled, medium weight flavors that culminate in a dusty, focused and still ever-so-mildly austere and linear finish. While this could certainly be drunk now I would opt for holding it for another 3 to 5 years first and note that it should hold for another few decades. I have had reasonably consistent notes as my scores have bounced between 92 and 94 though this most recent bottle is the first where I have noticed any VA.