If this wine is not excessively fined and filtered at bottling, it could turn out to be a very good, possibly excellent example of Fonplegade. The color is a black/ruby/blue, and there are copious quantities of sweet cassis fruit in the alluring aromatics. There are layers of fruit, good glycerin, high extract, some spice, and a reassuringly long finish. However, I fear an over-zealous oenologist will counsel too much clarification, and thus strip the wine's middle. Let's hope not. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2012.