Some of you may recall that I reported on this wine about ten days ago, having opened it at our annual "cull" party. At that time, it was a major disappointment and I opined that it might have been shut down. Tonight, we reopened the bottle with dinner after it had sat on our back porch (5-20°F for the duration) sealed. What a difference! Tonight, it was open and ready for business with black currants, caramel, cedar and more than a hint of tannins. Clearly, this is not the best way to peer into its future, but this wine was still primary and certainly has its best years ahead of it. Lesson learned: Paul Draper says on the back label that it will develop for 10-12 years (as of 2/02). Never doubt The Master!
Sadder but wiser (and updating the drinking window in his database), Mark Lipton