This has always been an uninspiring Mouton, but it has become increasingly attenuated, with a frightfully austere personality. The color is a medium dark ruby with some amber at the edge. The nose is composed largely of earth, wood, and dusty, dried red fruit aromas. In the mouth, this compact wine reveals medium body, excruciatingly high tannin, and little fruit. In my opinion, it is drying out, and in large measure is a huge disappointment. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted 10/97

Wonderfully rich and still holding back. Beautiful plum, toasted oak, berry and tobacco character. Firm with a full body. Drinkable now; better with time.--The Bordeaux 50. -JS