As we discusssed on an earlier thread, doing a little experiment with a recently received shipment.

1. 1 day after arrival
Opened the first bottle 1 day post shipment. Very hot - alcohol predominates over any fruit. Will let this sit open overnight and try it again.
WIne significantly improved after allowing some time open. Dark ruby and fruity, this wine has alot of spice and herbaceousness perhaps like menthol/tobacco. Tannins solid but not harsh.

2. 5 Days Post Shipment
Opened bottle and sampled immediately. A bit green tasting at first sip. Decanted for several hours. Beautiful color and rich full aromas. Very well balanced with solid bones and lots of flavor. Decanting does make a big difference here.

Next Opening - the 2 week mark?

3-4. About a month post shipment. Virtually the same as last TN. Wine gave up alot more - berries and forest floor, after several hours in the open bottle. I think we will wait some time for bottle #5.

okay - couldn't wait. Had to grab a quick bottle to take to dinner. Opened up 3 hours prior.
Very nice - ripe red color and rich cinnamon toast and cherry aromas. Some eucalyptus or pine (maybe that was the Christmas tree)....
Good solid feel that lingers on the palate.

Latest taste of this wine shows it to be developing beautifully with a wonderful ripe fruit pie flavor with lots of spicy finish

Have had two of these over the last week. Showing very well with a nice balance of fruit, spice and a fair amount of meat 'on the bones'.

I like this wine more so than the 01. In general the 02s drink better than the 01s...for now.

Have a couple of these left, so popped one for a taste. Nothing exciting, very little fruit now and more herbaceous and drying than I remember.
This wine really took a "landslide: in quality from previous vintages and from what I've heard, the 03 isn't better.