Bottle from my stash, for Shaun’s birthday celebration.

Thankfully, the fill level was excellent, and the cork was in great condition.

In the glass: this is a very aged wine. Very tawny. Light bodied.

On the nose: fresh off the bottle, a distinct minerally smokiness that fades away quickly. Distinct dried red fruit (but not raisin). This smelled distinctly aged, with a touch of cedar, and an aged note. Interestingly, as the wine breathed, the nose intensified in sweetness, and a barnyard funk emerged. 1.5 hours in: leather.

On the palate: light body, mid finish, with tannins that grips for a second and lets go. Tart cherry, with a rose exhale. Surprisingly very bright with acidity that intensified as it warmed up and breathed.

At 32 years old, I am reminded by how Robert Ampeau’s wines have such insane longevity. BUT, this is a wine that’s clearly well into its downward trajectory. It has started to lose its body and fruits, but thankfully remained an enjoyable drink.