Clos de la Roche, Domaine Leroy 1993

(with thanks to Dr. Kevin Chan). A stunning complex nose offers outstanding breadth on the ripe and fully mature aromas that are comprised mostly by various dark berries, earth, spice and smoked game nuances. There is impressive richness, power and concentration to the broad-shouldered flavors that possess plenty of mouth coating dry extract before culminating in a balanced, intense and strikingly long finish. This is a terrific wine that has only just now arrived at its apogee and as such, it should be capable of holding at this plateau for many years to come. In a word, brilliant.

The dark ruby with amber-colored 1993 Clos de la Roche is a show-stopper. It has penetrating aromas of cassis, blackberry, stones, and wild herbs. On the palate, leather, boysenberries, assorted dark fruits, and a myriad of spices can be discerned in its complex and decadently fashioned personality. This 1993 unquestionably has the requisite power, richness, concentration, and density of fruit to stand up to its solid backbone. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015.